How to Clean Copper and Brass Wire and Sheet Metal
In these economic times, we as artists and jewelers are faced with the shock of the price increases in precious metals. Silver and gold prices have skyrocketed and we are finding ourselves faced with rethinking just what metals we are going to be using to create with.
Copper and brass jewelry wire come in various gauges and shapes.
Brass mimics gold with its yellowish-red color.
It blends copper (67%) and zinc (33%), sometimes with other metals.
Jewelry brass is usually the 230 alloy, or rich low brass.
Brass wire is harder on hands than silver or gold-filled wire.
Work it slowly to get the feel.
Cleaning brass and copper takes extra effort.
Use home recipes or commercial products, but mind acidic vs. caustic compounds.
Test techniques on beads and gemstones first.
We share known methods but endorse none.
They won't prevent tarnish.
Brass mimics gold with its yellowish-red color.
It blends copper (67%) and zinc (33%), sometimes with other metals.
Jewelry brass is usually the 230 alloy, or rich low brass.
Brass wire is harder on hands than silver or gold-filled wire.
Work it slowly to get the feel.
Cleaning brass and copper takes extra effort.
Use home recipes or commercial products, but mind acidic vs. caustic compounds.
Test techniques on beads and gemstones first.
We share known methods but endorse none.
They won't prevent tarnish.
Natural Methods:
Lemon Juice: To clean brass or copper with lemon juice, you can either use it neat (straight), or mixed with vinegar and/or baking soda.
Mix up a couple of teaspoons of lemon juice with a couple of teaspoons of vinegar.
Add just enough baking soda to make it become a gritty paste.
Use this with a cloth to scrub your brass or copper items.
Rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a clean cloth.
Ketchup or Worcestershire Sauce:
Who would think this works? Both remove dirt thanks to their acidity.
Rub sauce onto the item with a soft cloth.
If needed, coat and let sit for 1-2 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Dry with a clean cloth.
Who would think this works? Both remove dirt thanks to their acidity.
Rub sauce onto the item with a soft cloth.
If needed, coat and let sit for 1-2 minutes.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Dry with a clean cloth.
Vinegar & Steel Wool:
One of the simpler brass cleaning methods.
Pour vinegar on or soak the item for 1-2 minutes.
Use steel wool to remove tarnish.
(Prefer a Q-tip or soft cloth with vinegar; acidity does most work, not scrubbing.)
Use fine-grade steel wool (lower 0s for minimum grade).
Watch immersed items; some discolor, needing commercial polish.
Try apple cider, red wine, or white vinegar based on preference.
One of the simpler brass cleaning methods.
Pour vinegar on or soak the item for 1-2 minutes.
Use steel wool to remove tarnish.
(Prefer a Q-tip or soft cloth with vinegar; acidity does most work, not scrubbing.)
Use fine-grade steel wool (lower 0s for minimum grade).
Watch immersed items; some discolor, needing commercial polish.
Try apple cider, red wine, or white vinegar based on preference.
Toothpaste:
A gentle abrasive for cleaning.
Use opaque toothpastes, not clear ones. Opaque types have mild abrasives.
This method is less effective than acidic ones.
Most results come from brushing, since toothpaste is alkaline.
A gentle abrasive for cleaning.
Use opaque toothpastes, not clear ones. Opaque types have mild abrasives.
This method is less effective than acidic ones.
Most results come from brushing, since toothpaste is alkaline.
Ready To Use Solutions:
If you are going to use a ready-to-use solution, follow the golden rule and read the label.
This is for your own safety and for the preservation of your brass items.
This is for your own safety and for the preservation of your brass items.
Brasso:
An old favorite for cleaning brass trays.
Follow the can directions.
Soak a cloth in Brasso and rub off tarnish.
Wear gloves.
Buff with a clean soft cloth.
An old favorite for cleaning brass trays.
Follow the can directions.
Soak a cloth in Brasso and rub off tarnish.
Wear gloves.
Buff with a clean soft cloth.
Nevr Dull: Yep, spelled strangely but it does clean brass.
Comes with pre-soaked wadding in the can and you pull off a piece and start rubbing.
Both Dale and I have used this product with good results.
Be sure to wear gloves just to keep the product from drying out your skin, and use it in a well-ventilated area.
Comes with pre-soaked wadding in the can and you pull off a piece and start rubbing.
Both Dale and I have used this product with good results.
Be sure to wear gloves just to keep the product from drying out your skin, and use it in a well-ventilated area.
Tarn-X-Brass: Another liquid cleaner that attacks light tarnish.
Be sure it says Brass as there are two types of Tarn-X.
(FYI, we do not recommend using the silver version at all!!)
Be sure it says Brass as there are two types of Tarn-X.
(FYI, we do not recommend using the silver version at all!!)
Easy Cleaning of Copper and Brass:
An ionic cleaner like Speed Brite works well on both.
It harms no gemstones or beads.
For regular clip-and-dip, use a soft toothbrush under running water if needed.
An ionic cleaner like Speed Brite works well on both.
It harms no gemstones or beads.
For regular clip-and-dip, use a soft toothbrush under running water if needed.
Be sure and properly store your finished pieces in a zip loc bag to help reduce tarnishing.
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): General Education
Mary Bailey
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