I have a particularly elaborate and large escutcheon on a King battery set that is badly tarnished. It is high relief and wire brush will not work, nor will burnishing compounds.

I am wondering if someone has had success with soaking in some sort of solution that will etch away the tarnish.

It appears to be soft brass (not magnetic)

Have you tried Brasso? That's what I am currently using. Takes a bit of elbow grease but it should make it shine...Neal

:I have a particularly elaborate and large escutcheon on a King battery set that is badly tarnished. It is high relief and wire brush will not work, nor will burnishing compounds.
:
:I am wondering if someone has had success with soaking in some sort of solution that will etch away the tarnish.
:
:It appears to be soft brass (not magnetic)
:

I have used Brasso on other occassions. This piece really needs a dip to get the low areas.

Yeah, I understand...Neal

:I have used Brasso on other occassions. This piece really needs a dip to get the low areas.
:

There is a product called " Flitz " One is made for Brass and Copper cleaning. It's a spray on and wash off. Seems to work good.

Thanks Warren. I made a stew of Murphy's Oil Soap, Vinegar, Lemon juice and of course water. It has been sitting in it for about 2 hours and is showing good progress.

:Thanks Warren. I made a stew of Murphy's Oil Soap, Vinegar, Lemon juice and of course water. It has been sitting in it for about 2 hours and is showing good progress.
:
PL

Tarn-X is okay for Copper. But not for Brass

http://housewares.hardwarestore.com/35-176-metal-polishes/tarn-x-tarnish-remover-101825.aspx

Thanks all. My home made stew worked perfectly after sitting in it overnight.

Bob,
Please save the recipe for future inquiries.

marv

:Thanks all. My home made stew worked perfectly after sitting in it overnight.
:

Will do Marv, although I was thinking about bottling it to sell as Bob's Secret Snake Oil Escutcheon Cleaner, Pimple Remover and Wonder Elixir.

Bob,
Don't try selling magic radio elixir on ebay, understand it's already overwhelmed with radio stuff. lol

marv

:Will do Marv, although I was thinking about bottling it to sell as Bob's Secret Snake Oil Escutcheon Cleaner, Pimple Remover and Wonder Elixir.
:

Bob,
Sometimes silver dip solution (silverware) from a grocery store will work to clean brass.

marv

:I have a particularly elaborate and large escutcheon on a King battery set that is badly tarnished. It is high relief and wire brush will not work, nor will burnishing compounds.
:
:I am wondering if someone has had success with soaking in some sort of solution that will etch away the tarnish.
:
:It appears to be soft brass (not magnetic)
:

Also, if you are having trouble polishing the escutcheon, try stripping off the lacquer first.

Furthermore, when polishing, keep in mind that some manufacturers used colored lacquer (such as Van Dyke Brown) to 'antique' the brass. This is much easier than chemical antiquing. ...So if you wish, polish it to a high lustre, and if any antiquing is required, carefully air-brush it on. Then clear-coat over all.

T.