In a message dated 7/5/06 12:01:06 AM, John and Karen write:
I have a brass lamp which has been experiencing some serious corrosion
recently and I don't know how to protect it after I clean it. I now spend
about
an hour cleaning it with Flintz(sp) or similar product and without
something to protect the brass it is corroded again in a month or two.
What should I treat the brass with after a thorough cleaning to keep it
from
corroding again after a short period of time.
Bare brass, bronze and copper will oxidize in the open air. The color ranges
from green through reddish brown to nearly black. It is a natural phenomenon
and there is no way to stop it from happening other than by excluding the air.
Commercial manufacturers cover freshly polished surfaces with a clear lacquer
but eventually this breaks down and is difficult to remove.
After polishing your brass, a good way to protect the surface is to wipe on a
thin coat of car wax or Simonize. It will delay the oxidation for a while and
can be easily removed by a paint thinner or kerosene moistened rag when you
want to repolish. An alternative is to use one of the vinyl based floor
polishes as a protectant. These wash off with ammonia.
Or do as I do. Learn to love the weathered patina of old brass and bronze.
Larry Z
In a message dated 7/5/06 12:01:06 AM, John and Karen write:
> I have a brass lamp which has been experiencing some serious corrosion
> recently and I don't know how to protect it after I clean it. I now spend
> about
> an hour cleaning it with Flintz(sp) or similar product and without
applying
> something to protect the brass it is corroded again in a month or two.
> What should I treat the brass with after a thorough cleaning to keep it
> from
> corroding again after a short period of time.
>
Bare brass, bronze and copper will oxidize in the open air. The color ranges
from green through reddish brown to nearly black. It is a natural phenomenon
and there is no way to stop it from happening other than by excluding the air.
Commercial manufacturers cover freshly polished surfaces with a clear lacquer
but eventually this breaks down and is difficult to remove.
After polishing your brass, a good way to protect the surface is to wipe on a
thin coat of car wax or Simonize. It will delay the oxidation for a while and
can be easily removed by a paint thinner or kerosene moistened rag when you
want to repolish. An alternative is to use one of the vinyl based floor
polishes as a protectant. These wash off with ammonia.
Or do as I do. Learn to love the weathered patina of old brass and bronze.
Larry Z
