Brass is beloved for its warm, golden tones and smooth, lustrous finish. However, when brass is used as a decorative plating over base metals, it can lose its shine and develop an unsightly tarnished appearance over time. If you’ve noticed your beloved brass accessories or hardware looking a bit dull lately, you may be wondering – does brass plating tarnish?

The short answer is yes, brass plating is susceptible to tarnishing through a natural process of surface oxidation. However, the rate and severity at which tarnish develops depends on environmental factors and proper care. With the right maintenance and cleaning methods, you can keep brass plating looking its best for years to come.

What is Brass Plating?

Brass plating refers to the application of a thin layer of brass onto the surface of another metal through electroplating. Steel and iron are common bases for brass plating, which is valued for both aesthetic and functional purposes across many industries, including:

Decorative hardware – Doorknobs, light fixtures, cabinet hardware
Musical instruments – Trumpets, trombones, saxophones
Jewelry – Necklaces, bracelets, rings
Automotive trim – Grilles, emblems, wheel covers

The brass plating adheres tightly to the base metal, providing enhanced corrosion and scratch resistance compared to the bare substrate. The plating mimics the desirable visual qualities of solid brass but is a more cost-effective process.

Brass plating can range from a few millionths of an inch to over 0.003 inches thick. The thickness affects durability – thicker platings generally provide longer-lasting protection and wear. Proper pretreatment and plating procedures also impact corrosion resistance and adhesion.

Why Does Brass Plating Tarnish?

Brass plating tarnishes as the result of a natural process called oxidation. When the surface of the brass is exposed to oxygen, moisture, and certain pollutants in the air, a chemical reaction occurs. This causes the brass metal to combine with other elements, forming a new compound called a patina.

The patina coating appears as a dull, discolored film on the surface of the brass. Unlike rust on iron, the patina layer actually serves to protect the underlying brass from further corrosion. However, the changed surface texture and loss of shine are viewed as tarnish, or degradation of the brass plating.

So in essence, tarnish on brass plating is an early stage of corrosion slowed by the patina layer. Given the right environmental conditions, the tarnishing reaction can occur in a matter of weeks or months. Let’s look at the factors that accelerate brass tarnish next.

Factors That Influence Tarnishing of Brass Plating

The susceptibility of brass plating to tarnish depends on various factors, including:

Exposure to air – Brass tarnishes faster when openly exposed compared to sealed behind a protective coating. Indoor brass generally tarnishes slower than outdoor pieces exposed to weather and pollution.
Oxygen content – Higher oxygen levels in the environment correlate with faster tarnishing. Pieces kept in airtight cases or display boxes resist tarnishing better.
Humidity and moisture – Wet, humid conditions cause brass plating to tarnish more quickly than dry environments. Coastal climates accelerate tarnishing.
Pollutants – Sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and salt air from pollution and sea spray hasten tarnishing. Industrial and urban areas have higher levels of these corrosive compounds.
Handling and use – Frequent touching and handling accelerates tarnishing from the oils and acids in skin. High-traffic door knobs and musical instruments tarnish faster.
Zinc content – Brass alloys with higher zinc levels, like commercial yellow brass, tarnish more readily than low-zinc formulations like naval brass.
Plating quality – Thin, porous platings with poor adhesion or impurities tarnish faster than high-quality platings. Proper surface preparation and plating procedures greatly affect tarnish resistance.
Base metal – Brass plated onto more reactive metals like steel tarnishes faster than when plated onto copper or brass. Dissimilar metals can accelerate galvanic corrosion.

So if you want to slow the tarnishing process, avoiding or minimizing these factors is key. Next, let’s look at some prevention strategies to maintain the original shine and luster of your brass plating.

Tarnish Prevention Tips for Brass Plating

While some tarnishing of brass plating is inevitable over time, proper care and maintenance can minimize discoloration and prolong the original appearance. Suggested tarnish prevention methods include:

Coatings – Clear polyurethane, lacquer, or wax coatings provide a protective barrier against moisture and corrosive compounds. However, recoating is needed as coatings wear off from use.
Indoor storage – Storing brass items indoors avoids many of the harshest outdoor environmental conditions. Maintain low humidity levels if possible.
Tarnish-resistant alloys – Brass alloys with low zinc content, like naval brass (3-4% zinc), resist tarnishing better than standard yellow brass (15-37% zinc).
Cleaning and polishing – Regular gentle cleaning using mild detergent and water removes dirt and oils that can initiate tarnishing. Frequent polishing maintains the original bright finish.
Anti-tarnish strips – Placing anti-tarnish strips containing vapor phase corrosion inhibitors near brass objects helps deter tarnish, but strips must be replaced regularly.
Airtight cases – Displaying brass pieces in sealed airtight cases with desiccant packs creates a stable, low-oxygen environment that slows tarnishing.
Handling care – Wearing clean gloves when handling brass objects minimizes the transfer of finger oils and acids that hasten tarnishing. Avoid overhandling.

How to Clean and Remove Tarnish from Brass Plating

If brass plating does exhibit tarnish, prompt cleaning is recommended to avoid permanent discoloration or corrosion damage. Here are effective methods for cleaning tarnished brass:

Non-abrasive polish – Gentle metal polishes specifically formulated for brass are very effective for removing tarnish, but may require occasional reapplication. Avoid other metal cleaners.
Lemon or lime juice – The mild acid in lemon or lime juice dissolves tarnish very effectively. Dip a soft cloth into the juice and rub onto tarnished areas. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards.
Vinegar – Similarly, vinegar’s acetic acid content reacts with the tarnish to lift it. Soak a soft cloth in undiluted white vinegar and rub tarnished surfaces. Rinse afterwards.
Baking soda – Make a paste with baking soda and water and lightly scrub tarnished brass with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Rinse thoroughly when finished cleaning.
Salt and vinegar – Mix salt and vinegar into a paste and apply with a soft cloth. This combination works to gently lift stubborn tarnish spots. Rinse completely afterwards.
Commercial brass cleaner – Specialized brass cleaning solutions are formulated to remove tarnish safely. Follow product directions closely to avoid damage.
Lacquer thinner – In extreme cases, a very brief dip in lacquer thinner lifts heavy tarnishing. Immediately rinse and hand dry pieces afterwards to avoid damage to plating.

Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing that could scratch the brass plating surface during cleaning. It is also important to rinse completely and dry any cleaned pieces thoroughly to prevent new tarnish from developing.

With diligent care and maintenance, brass plating can retain its original bright finish for many years before requiring re-plating. While some tarnishing is expected over time, following the proper guidelines can significantly prolong the lasting beauty of brass plating in decorative and functional applications.

Maintaining the Warm, Golden Glow of Brass Plating

Brass plating can develop unsightly tarnish over time when the protective finish degrades, but diligent care makes a big difference. Limit exposure to moisture, pollutants, and chemicals. Handle gently, clean routinely, and apply protective coatings to preserve the integrity of the surface.

If tarnish does occur, restore the shine right away using proven cleaning methods. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy the decorative warmth, luxury, and brilliance of brass plating for generations to come.