How to Polish Brass Cymbals

If you are in an orchestra or just like playing around with brass cymbals, you will want them to stay bright and shiny. When they become tarnished and dull, the sound may suffer as well. Polishing brass cymbals is a simple task and especially important when you are playing for a wide audience and wish to maintain your sound and style while performing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flitz Brass Cleaner or Equivalent
• Soft Hand Towel

1. Purchase Flitz Brass Cleaner or equivalent. This product can be located online or in some retail stores. It is nonabrasive to delicate metals. You may choose to use other brass polishes as well. However, make sure it is safe for the type of brass that you are polishing. Also, read the directions carefully as the instructions may differ.

2. Place a drop of brass polisher on your soft hand towel. If you use a rough towel or sponge, you can scratch the metal.

3. Rub the polish into the brass cymbals. Use a circular motion to gently massage the product into the brass. Make sure to polish the whole area, front and back. If you need more polish to complete the remaining areas, add another drop to your towel. Remember, a little polish goes a long way.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the second cymbal.

5. Let the polish dry and then determine whether you need a second coat. In addition, you will be able to see whether you missed a spot on the brass cymbals as well. To maintain a well-polished instrument, repeat the process every three weeks.

Resources

• Flitz Brass Cleaner