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Thread: Wish to mildly clean brass lens barrel

  1. #1
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Wish to mildly clean brass lens barrel

    I have taken a large brass lens from storage with the intent to sell it.

    In all regards it is excellent - clean lenses, no corrosion of the brass; all I want to do is remove my finger prints from the brass. (No, I am not a felon )

    What you suggest? Not Brasso! Oh, and should I wax it?

    Thank you for your suggestions.

  2. #2

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    Re: Wish to mildly clean brass lens barrel

    I would just wipe it down with a soft cloth. If there's stuff stuck to it that won't come off with a soft cloth, maybe try some diluted vinegar and a soft cloth. Or maybe naphtha. Any of those should be safe on brass. And I wouldn't wax it. That stuff would be hard to get off and the next owner may or may not want it on there. Mild acids are great for cleaning corrosion off brass, bronze, and copper, and naphtha is great for anything sticky.

  3. #3
    Paul Ron's Avatar
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    Re: Wish to mildly clean brass lens barrel

    Quote Originally Posted by jim10219 View Post
    I would just wipe it down with a soft cloth. If there's stuff stuck to it that won't come off with a soft cloth, maybe try some diluted vinegar and a soft cloth. Or maybe naphtha. Any of those should be safe on brass. And I wouldn't wax it. That stuff would be hard to get off and the next owner may or may not want it on there. Mild acids are great for cleaning corrosion off brass, bronze, and copper, and naphtha is great for anything sticky.
    All great suggestions n good advice.

    If you want to brighten it up a bit, red rouge on a soft cloth AKA jewelers rag.

  4. #4

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    Re: Wish to mildly clean brass lens barrel

    First, is the barrel varnished over the brass, or bare???

    The problem with brass cleaning is if you use something slightly more aagressive to clean it, it will come out uneven until you get to the bare finish, and you know what that looks like... (too clean)

    There was also a rubber coated cleaning sponge fo household chores that is a gentle cleaner when lightly rubbed on...

    You might try coating it carefully with rubber cement, then peeling off when dry, but it depends on the oxidation...

    Good luck, but go easy on it, or you will have to totally strip it...

    Steve K

  5. #5

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    Re: Wish to mildly clean brass lens barrel

    Windex on a soft cloth

  6. #6
    Jac@stafford.net's Avatar
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    Re: Wish to mildly clean brass lens barrel

    Quote Originally Posted by Duolab123 View Post
    Windex on a soft cloth
    That seems most sensible. Thank you. I do not want to strip the finish, but only clean it. Will do, Sir. The next owner can do what he wishes; I will be comfortably distanced.

  7. #7

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    Re: Wish to mildly clean brass lens barrel

    Thin the wax by heating until it is in liquid form. Apply a very light application with with a sponge, then wipe off and polish it with a cloth or bath tissue paper. The brass be shine without removing the patina.

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    Re: Wish to mildly clean brass lens barrel

    Quote Originally Posted by jac@stafford.net View Post
    i have taken a large brass lens from storage with the intent to sell it.

    In all regards it is excellent - clean lenses, no corrosion of the brass; all i want to do is remove my finger prints from the brass. (no, i am not a felon )

    what you suggest? Not brasso! Oh, and should i wax it?

    Thank you for your suggestions.
    no - don't clean it if you want top price!

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