Comments on: What’s the Proper Way to Insulate the Brass so that it Doesn’t Tarnish?

By: wayne kiser

wayne kiser — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 20:27:54 +0000

Thank you for all the wonderful comments and suggestions regarding keeping a sheen on brass jewelry. I will keep trying different methods (including your comments) until I feel comfortable with the results.

Best, wayne

By: Louise

Louise — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 15:32:12 +0000

One note on lacquering: any oil on the metal will cause the lacquer to peel. Clean with denatured alcohol and do not touch with fingers. Only handle with tweezers or tools before coating. I’ve used Everbrite ProtectaClear with good results but it is essential to completely clean the metal before applying. Waxing with Renaissance Wax is another option.

By: Diana M Pucci

Diana M Pucci — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 14:43:54 +0000

Hello,
I have used toothbrush and toothpaste to clean up tarnish on both silver, brass and copper, on my personal jewelry. Sometimes brass gets a golden finish that doesn’t seem to get tarnished as quickly. It is different than the original finish, kind of like a gold satin patina, but I like it, I don’t know why it gets that unusual finish sometimes, but not all times. (maybe it depends on the toothpaste I am using at the time.) I am not sure who gave me the idea, but it isn’t my own, I think it was in reference to silver, but one day I was going out and wanted to wear a particular pair of brass earrings and tried out the toothpaste tip, I liked the result. Anyone buying brass or copper jewelry usually, know it will tarnish in time, if not worn. They usually have their own methods of clean up. Some just plain like the natural patina that forms.

By: Margie

Margie — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 13:29:27 +0000

I design cuffs, pendants n rings with copper…my solution…yes wear all thw tine, if it tarnjshed use the finest steelwool to gently rub n it shines rt up! also vinega= n baking soda..put rings in a cup, add the above (IN YOUR SINK!) and the come out beautiful..When I sell a piece of jewelry, I provide a small ball of steel wool in a bag, with ea. purchase!

By: Judy Bjorkman

Judy Bjorkman — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 12:39:15 +0000

Wayne, there are several ways of looking at brass in jewelry. In my long experience with it, I have never lacquered it, for the reason that you cited. Depending on the way brass is used, one can just wear it and see if it develops either no patina (such as a ring) or a pleasing patina which changes little. I tell my customers to wear their brass (+copper, nickel-silver) rings while doing dishes, taking a shower, etc., and they will never need to clean them. For things such as pins, bracelets, necklaces, etc., I recommend rubbing them occasionally with a silver-polishing cloth to brighten them up. For larger chains and the like, I use dipping in Tarn-X (available in grocery stores, etc.) to remove the tarnish — immediately rinse and dry (and NEVER soak anything in Tarn-X, and be advised that it will eventually remove any patina you may use). Fine steel wool, in the 4/0000 grade, will also take off tarnish. Some people use wax to retard the advance of tarnish. So, maybe just experiment and see what suits you (and your customers).

By: Cindi Bernloehr

Cindi Bernloehr — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 11:47:52 +0000

I have found Vintaj has a gloss that will protect brass from tarnish. I use it when I emboss brass and want to keep the raised highlights bright and the background dark.