How to remove tarnish from copper and brass without metal polish

[Blademonkey]

I recieved an email from Steve ( @vlasta ) from Alpha Brush & Shaving Co who gave me a little tip on how to remove tarnish from my Outlaw V2 Copper brush handle without using abrasive metal polish that would abrade one layer of copper from the handle every time I polished it.
The trick is to remove the tarnish and only the tarnish and this is how.........

Mix three parts lemon juice and one part salt.
Stir for a minute until the salt dissolves.
Dip a cloth into the solution and wipe the copper.

"It's magic how it immediately removes the tarnish. I use this method instead of dipping the lemon in the salt to prevent the salt from scratching the copper"

If you don't have lemon juice you can use orange juice as it is also acidic.

I will use this method when my brush arrives but I thought I would try it out on my brass Hone razor that I have polished and it gently removed all the tarnish with just a wipe over with a soft cloth I had dipped in the lemon and salt solution, I also did the same thing to an old two penny peice ( copper ) that was heavily tarnished and with a couple of wipes it was as shiny as a new coin.

So I will not be using abrasive metal polishes on my brass and copper any more!

Thanks going out to Steve for bringing this simple fix to my attention .

Paul.

 

[Benz3ne]

It's an interesting one this, as this is a more chemical-focussed approach than the more physical approach of buffing compounds.

What should be noted is that if tarnish builds up (in the top few layers of copper, on a molecule-scale) and is then removed, then the top layer of copper is technically removed. The exposed copper will then be allowed to tarnish, and the cycle repeats.
The lemon juice (or vinegar works) is acidic and the tarnish is oxidised copper. The acid and the oxide react (called a reduction) to bring the resulting copper ions into solution. The salt supposed to facilitate this, by converting citrate (in the case of lemon juice) or acetate (in the case of vinegar) salts into chloride salts which are far more water soluble. Interestingly, I've also seen a dual-purpose use of the salt, not in solution, to act as a mild abrasive as well which apparently works nicely.

In short; there's still some removal of surface layers, but it's probably not as aggressive as cutting compounds.

 

[Blademonkey]

It's an interesting one this, as this is a more chemical-focussed approach than the more physical approach of buffing compounds.

What should be noted is that if tarnish builds up (in the top few layers of copper, on a molecule-scale) and is then removed, then the top layer of copper is technically removed. The exposed copper will then be allowed to tarnish, and the cycle repeats.
The lemon juice (or vinegar works) is acidic and the tarnish is oxidised copper. The acid and the oxide react (called a reduction) to bring the resulting copper ions into solution. The salt supposed to facilitate this, by converting citrate (in the case of lemon juice) or acetate (in the case of vinegar) salts into chloride salts which are far more water soluble. Interestingly, I've also seen a dual-purpose use of the salt, not in solution, to act as a mild abrasive as well which apparently works nicely.

In short; there's still some removal of surface layers, but it's probably not as aggressive as cutting compounds.

Very true Ben but to slow the prosses down I shall be using Renaissnce wax to protect the copper handle so I should not have to use this tecnique very often.
The idea of the salt in solution is to protect the copper from scratching ( from the salt ) P.

 

[motto]

I guess it would make sense to rinse the handle with fresh water to ensure the reaction of the lemon-salt solution with the copper has stopped. Then dry the item with a soft cloth before applying the renaissance wax.

 

[Benz3ne]

I guess it would make sense to rinse the handle with fresh water to ensure the reaction of the lemon-salt solution with the copper has stopped. Then dry the item with a soft cloth before applying the renaissance wax.

Agreed.

 

[Britva]

If you wish to stop it more efficiently, then a solution of sodium bicarbonate is more appropriate, but not really necessary for simple cleaning jobs like this.

Just for reference, here's the result of this operation, coincidentally on one of Alpha copper handles.

 

[Blademonkey]

If you wish to stop it more efficiently, then a solution of sodium bicarbonate is more appropriate, but not really necessary for simple cleaning jobs like this.

Just for reference, here's the result of this operation, coincidentally on one of Alpha copper handles.

Looking good, this was done with bicarbonate of soda and how much to be mixed with water, hot or cold ? Thanks P.

 

[Britva]

This was salt+lemon juice. I didn't use any bicarbonate here, as I don't have it at the moment. I coated the handle in kamelia oil after cleaning, because I don't have any Ren wax either... I swear this thing stains by simply "existing" on Earth, it definitely needs to be either covered in patina, or Ren wax.

 

[Blademonkey]

This was salt+lemon juice. I didn't use any bicarbonate here, as I don't have it at the moment. I coated the handle in kamelia oil after cleaning, because I don't have any Ren wax either... I swear this thing stains by simply "existing" on Earth, it definitely needs to be either covered in patina, or Ren wax.

Thank you, yes copper is prone to tarnishing even if you don't touch it! P.

 

[Britva]

36 hours later, just sitting on my desk with a coat of oil. Gonna have to repeat the process, and try mineral oil next. Guess I'll need to order the Ren wax as well.

 

[Blademonkey]

36 hours later, just sitting on my desk with a coat of oil. Gonna have to repeat the process, and try mineral oil next. Guess I'll need to order the Ren wax as well.

It's probably the best stuff you can use. P.

 

[Blademonkey]

My Alpha V2 in Copper treated with the lemon and salt solution to remove a small amount of tarnish, rinsed and dried and then given the Renaissance wax treatment.
How long it will stay looking like this I don't know but it didn't take long to to get it looking as beautiful as this so no worries! P.

 

[motto]

Just stunning

View attachment 57201

My Alpha V2 in Copper treated with the lemon and salt solution to remove a small amount of tarnish, rinsed and dried and then given the Renaissance wax treatment.
How long it will stay looking like this I don't know but it didn't take long to to get it looking as beautiful as this so no worries! P.

 

[Blademonkey]

Just stunning

Thank you, I have to agree with you P.

 

[Blademonkey]

Edit: The Lemon juice and salt solution work's very well indeed but I've found to fully neutralise the acid solution you must rub on a solution of bicarbonate of soda and once this has been done then rinse with water, dry and apply the ren wax.
Before I did this I was having trouble with the handle tarnishing under the wax, a water rinse is not enough to neutralise the Lemon and salt solution.
I have since followed this method with good results, the copper is protected by the wax and remains bright.
P.