How to polish brass?

[Brian Morgan]

Hi - We have a couple of bright brass finished light fixtures outside - They are starting to show some corrosion. What can I use to polish them that won't take off the laquer finish? Thanks- Brian

[Phisherman]

[Tom J]

Automobile cleaner/wax. Brasso recommended by someone else will take off the protective coating.

Tom J

[Evan]

clean them off with a fine wire brush and Brasso, then reapply a clear metal finish like spray Gloss Polyurethane. Car wax will not protect bare metals, they only help make the finish shine.

Evan

[Tom J]

It's strange that you say car wax won't protect metals. I have 2 solid brass lamps in my bedroom made from highly polished parts that have no sealer on them. I put wax on them when I finished assembling them 5 years ago and they still shine like new. It would take regular upkeep outside, but it does work.

Tom J

[Evan]

They are also sitting inside on a shelf, not outside in the elements. I f you read they wanted to preserve the original finish, which means they don't want to be outside once a week waxing the lamps. I didn't say it wouldn't work though, I said "Car wax will not protect bare metals", and in this statement I was implying from being exposed to the outdoors constantly. Wax is a very poor finish for metal or wood.