How to Maintain Brass and Copper

Brass and copper fittings and hardware can add charming accents around your home. But, if neglected, they make things look old and unloved. Here's how to keep that metallic glow at its brightest.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Brass Polishes
• Clean Cotton Rags
• Paint Strippers
• Threads
• Very Fine Steel Wool
• Salt
• White Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Mineral Spirits
• Aluminum Bowls
• Copper Polishes

1. Paint copper plumbing if it's unsightly, but be sure to clean the pipes first with mineral spirits and a fine steel wool pad.
2. Wipe the pipe dry with a clean cotton cloth and apply a base coat, then a top coat.
3. Don't ever paint over brass. If you discover that it has been painted, remove the offending paint with a chemical paint stripper (read the label carefully for compatibility).
4. Polish copper with a commercial polish or make one at home (see Related eHows).
5. Get rid of corrosion on brass (brown stains) by mixing 1 tbsp. vinegar with 1 tbsp. table salt in a cup of hot water. Use a piece of very fine steel wool to rub the corroded areas with this solution.
6. Rinse the brass well and dry it thoroughly before using a commercial brass polish to shine and protect it.
7. Remove verdigris - that crusty green stuff. While it adds character, it also leaves unsightly pits in the metal.
8. Fill an aluminum bowl with 1/2 cup baking soda dissolved in 4 cups hot water.
9. Dip the corroded pieces in the bath and let them sit for a few minutes. Keep your hands out of the bath ' use a string or wooden skewers to manipulate the pieces.
10. Repeat until the corrosion is gone. You may have to replenish the bath if the verdigris is extensive.
11. Rinse the brass thoroughly with hot water and dry it with a clean cotton rag.
12. Polish with a commercial or homemade polish.

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