For those of you that do a lot of brass refinishing, this is definitely worth checking out. I do a lot of refinishing and I have long used a concoction from a brass instrument supplier (horns, etc.) to remove finish and tarnish from piano brass hardware. It is quite pricey, though, and I now mix my own tarnish remover, gleaned from the MSDS from the brass instrument supplier. The finish must already be removed, by soaking in stripper, lacquer thinner, your method of choice. Then, you dip the pieces into this mixture for 15 seconds, and voila!, the brass is gleaming, requiring only a cursory buff to restore brilliant luster. I find it a tremendous time saver, for very little cost. When your talking brass, the horn guys know the scoop. How'd YOU like to buff a tuba? Here's what you need: Call Chem Lab Supplies 1-714-630-7902, also 1-310-973-2391 Order 16 oz of Chromic Acid for $9. (#C31016OZ) and 4 oz of Sodium Bisulfate for $4.50 (#S2354OZ) Obtain two 1 1/2 -2 gal plastic pails w/lid from a local deli counter @ grocery - they have lots of 'em and will gladly give you as many as you want for free. One is for the mixture, one is for a water rinse. Pour 1 gallon warm water into the pail for your mixture, along with all 16 oz of chromic acid and HALF (2 oz.) of the Sodium Bisulfate (you can't purchase less than 4oz....). Mix well and you are done. To use, after stripping off finish from brass and wiping off residue, place hardware in nylon bag (or hang from a wire, etc..) and fully immerse into mixture for 15 seconds (30 sec. max). If you wait longer than 2 minutes your brass will be smaller! Rinse well with water. Very quick buff; done. As with all shop chemicals, wear gloves, apron, goggles, etc.. The chromic acid is certainly not good for you, obviously, but neither does it burn or in any way cause discomfort if you would happen to splash some on you. The gentleman I learned about this product from has been using it for over 30 years, and doesn't even bother with gloves, but he's from the "old school". I suggest treating it like you would lacquer thinner or stripper. The health hazards are from skin contact, not inhalation of fumes. There is absolutely no odor. Even with shipping and handling, your total cost is less than $20, and it will save a lot of time rubbing and buffing, and do a better job. A gallon of this should remain potent for app. 5 years, depending on how much brass you process. When it no longer removes the tarnish as well, or takes 3-4 rounds to do the job, it is time to make another batch. Best $20 I ever spent.... Mark Potter bases-loaded@juno.com
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