How to Clean a Brass Bell
Whether your bell has a brass-coated finished or is made of brass, caring for your bell requires an understanding of the metals used to construct the item. Brass oxidizes quickly when exposed to air because the metal is comprised of copper and zinc. The ugly black tarnish you see on your bell represents the metals exposure to air, fingerprints, or incorrectly applied polish. Cleaning an unfinished brass bell requires different steps than one that is covered with a lacquer finish. Take a look at the best way to clean a brass bell. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Soft, clean rags
- Brash polish (Brasso or other brass polish)
- Lacquer remover
- Rubbing alcohol
- Brass lacquer
- Soft sponge
- Olive oil
- Soft paintbrush
Instructions
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1
Rinse your brass bell in warm soapy water to remove dust and debris from the ornamental cracks. Cleaning and applying products to a dirty surface might cause damage with scratching. Completely dry the bell.
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2
Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a sponge and rub the entire surface of the bell. This will remove old polish as well as any additional accumulated dirt. Dry the bell thoroughly after applying the alcohol.
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3
Pour lacquer remover onto a clean rag if your bell has a lacquer finish. Work to remove the lacquer carefully, exposing the untarnished brass beneath the tarnished finish. If your bell is unfinished, proceed directly to Step 4.
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4
Use a small amount of polish on a clean rag and work it into the brass surfaces. You're cleaning the finish as well as polishing at this stage. Polishing requires some elbow grease. Make sure to use a small amount of polish since overuse will cause your brass bell to tarnish faster.
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5
Use a clean, soft rag to polish the bell. Rub repeatedly to bring a high shine to your bell just like spit-shining a shoe. Brass polishes contain oils and waxes to help retard future tarnishing as well as bring your brass to a bright shine.
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6
Rub the entire surface of the bell with a small amount of olive oil on a clean rag to limit tarnishing and maintain a high shine to the bell. Apply olive oil after polishing every time to keep your brass bell looking bright and shiny.
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7
Use a soft paintbrush to apply a layer of lacquer to the polished bell if you prefer to have a lacquered finish. Make sure to buff the entire brass bell completely to remove any residue of polish or fingerprints. It's best to hold the bell with a soft clean rag to prevent smudging with fingerprints when applying the lacquer finish.
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Tips & Warnings
Never immerse lacquered brass in hot water. Use a small amount of ammonia on a rag for weekly dusting and cleaning. Ammonia impedes formation of tarnish and will help keep your brass bell looking beautiful.
