Priory Polishes – No1 Brass Cleaning Solution

Description

Priory Polishes No1 Brass Cleaning Solution is a concentrated ammoniated brass cleaning solution designed to remove tarnish, dirt, grease, oil, grime and years of built-up deposits from solid brass.

It is particularly useful for heavily tarnished brass items and is widely used in antique restoration and clock restoration. The concentrated solution is diluted with water before use, allowing brass objects and components to be submerged for thorough cleaning.

The solution can also be used on suitable copper and bronze items. For larger objects that cannot easily be immersed, Priory Polishes Metal Cleaner may be a more suitable option.

• Why Choose No1 Brass Cleaning Solution?
• What Can Brass Cleaning Solution Be Used On?
• Brass Clock Parts & Antique Clock Restoration
• Cleaning Brass Handles, Hardware & Decorative Objects
• Cleaning Copper & Bronze
• Before Cleaning Your Brass
• How to Use No1 Brass Cleaning Solution
• Using Brass Cleaning Solution in an Ultrasonic Cleaner
• After Cleaning & Protecting Brass
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Please Note
• Health & Safety
• Safety Data Sheets

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Why Choose No1 Brass Cleaning Solution?

• Concentrated solution for cleaning heavily tarnished brass.
• Removes dirt, grease, oil, grime and tarnish.
• Ideal for antique brass restoration.
• Widely used for brass clock parts and horological restoration.
• Suitable for cleaning many removable brass handles, fittings and decorative objects.
• Can also be used on suitable copper and bronze items.
• Can be used with an ultrasonic cleaner when correctly diluted.
• Available in several sizes for both smaller restoration projects and regular workshop use.

The current Priory Polishes product is available in 250ml, 500ml, 1 Litre and 5 Litre sizes.

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What Can Brass Cleaning Solution Be Used On?

Priory Polishes No1 Brass Cleaning Solution is particularly useful where brass has accumulated significant tarnish, dirt or grease and needs more than a light polishing.

• Antique brass ornaments
• Brass handles and door furniture
• Brass hardware and fittings
• Decorative brass objects
• Brass boxes
• Brass clock parts
• Clock movement components
• Brass castors
• Suitable old brass coins
• Suitable copper objects
• Suitable bronze objects

It is especially useful where the individual components can be removed and immersed in the cleaning solution.

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Brass Clock Parts & Antique Clock Restoration

One of the traditional uses for Priory Polishes No1 Brass Cleaning Solution is clock restoration. It can be used for cleaning suitable brass components from antique clock movements, helping remove accumulated oil, grease, dirt and tarnish before the components are rinsed, dried and lubricated.

It is particularly useful when restoring longcase clocks, mantel clocks and other antique mechanical clocks where removable brass components require thorough cleaning.

For complete clock movement restoration, the cleaning process should be followed by thorough rinsing and drying before suitable clock oil is applied.

Priory Polishes Clock Oil can be used after cleaning where appropriate.

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Cleaning Brass Handles, Hardware & Decorative Objects

No1 Brass Cleaning Solution can also be used to clean removable brass hardware and decorative pieces, including brass door handles, cupboard handles, knobs, castors, boxes, ornaments and other solid brass objects.

For handles and fittings, remove them from the furniture or door wherever possible so that the brass can be completely immersed in the diluted cleaning solution.

This makes it easier to clean areas around edges, recesses and detailing that can be difficult to reach with a cloth or conventional metal polish.

For large brass objects that cannot be immersed, consider using Priory Polishes Metal Cleaner.

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Cleaning Copper & Bronze

Although specifically formulated and marketed as a brass cleaning solution, No1 can also be used on suitable copper and bronze objects.

As with brass, always test an inconspicuous area first. Different alloys, finishes and previously treated surfaces can react differently to cleaning products.

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Before Cleaning Your Brass

Before using the solution, establish what the item is made from and whether it has any existing coating or finish.

This product is intended for solid brass and is not suitable for brass-plated items. It also will not work correctly through a lacquer or other sealant because the solution cannot properly reach the brass beneath the coating.

If you are unsure whether an item is solid brass or brass plated, test an inconspicuous area or seek professional advice before cleaning.

Always test the diluted solution on a small, hidden area first to check that the result is suitable for the particular item.

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How to Use No1 Brass Cleaning Solution

Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear suitable protective gloves.

1. Pour the required amount of No1 Brass Cleaning Solution into a suitable container.
2. For standard brass cleaning, dilute 1 measure of solution with up to 7 measures of cold water.
3. For heavily tarnished items, a stronger solution may be appropriate.
4. Fully submerge the brass item in the diluted solution.
5. Leave for approximately 30 minutes.
6. Remove the item and lightly work over the surface with a suitable brush or 0000 steel wool.
7. Return the item to the solution and repeat the process approximately every 30 minutes.
8. Continue until the required level of tarnish and dirt has been removed.
9. Very heavily tarnished or dirty items may require several applications.
10. Once clean, rinse the item thoroughly with water.
11. Dry the item thoroughly before polishing or applying a suitable protective finish.

Do not rush heavily tarnished items. Several controlled applications are often preferable to aggressively rubbing the brass.

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Using Brass Cleaning Solution in an Ultrasonic Cleaner

No1 Brass Cleaning Solution can also be used for ultrasonic cleaning.

For ultrasonic cleaning, dilute 1 measure of solution with 8 measures of water. This weaker dilution is suitable for use with an ultrasonic cleaner according to the current product instructions.

Ultrasonic cleaning can be particularly useful for small brass components and clock parts where dirt and deposits have accumulated in difficult-to-reach areas.

Always follow the operating instructions for your ultrasonic cleaner and ensure that the items being cleaned are suitable for ultrasonic treatment.

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After Cleaning & Protecting Brass

Once the brass has been cleaned, rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it completely.

The cleaned surface can then be polished or given a suitable protective finish, depending on the desired appearance and intended use.

For suitable metal restoration projects, Priory Polishes Jade Oil can be used as a protective finish to help reduce future tarnishing and moisture-related deterioration.

For a lacquered protective finish, a suitable Metal or brass lacquer can also be considered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Priory Polishes No1 Brass Cleaning Solution remove?

It is designed to remove tarnish, dirt, grease, oil, grime and built-up deposits from suitable solid brass items.

Can I use it on antique brass?

Yes. No1 Brass Cleaning Solution was originally designed for cleaning brass clock movements and is also used for antique brass restoration. Always test first, particularly on valuable or historically important objects.

Can I use it on brass clock parts?

Yes. It is particularly useful for suitable removable brass clock components and has long been used in clock restoration.

Can I use it on brass door handles?

Yes, provided the handles are solid brass and do not have a lacquer or other protective coating. Removing the handles before cleaning allows them to be fully immersed in the diluted solution.

Can it clean copper and bronze?

Yes, the solution can also be used on suitable copper and bronze items. Always test first.

Can it be used on brass plated items?

No. The product is intended for solid brass and should not be used on brass-plated items.

Will it work on lacquered brass?

No. A lacquer or sealant can prevent the cleaning solution from reaching the brass underneath. The lacquer would need to be appropriately removed before the brass can be cleaned. You can use special solvents or paint strippers to remove old Lacquer.

How much should I dilute the brass cleaning solution?

For standard cleaning, use 1 measure of No1 Brass Cleaning Solution with up to 7 measures of cold water. For ultrasonic cleaning, use 1 measure with 8 measures of water.

How long should brass be soaked?

Start with approximately 30 minutes, then remove the item and lightly work over the surface. Re-submerge and repeat approximately every 30 minutes until the desired result is achieved.

What if the brass is extremely tarnished?

Very heavily tarnished brass may require several applications. Do not assume that one long soak will always produce the best result; inspect the item between applications.

Does the solution smell?

Yes. This is an ammoniated cleaning solution and has a noticeable smell. It should always be used in a well-ventilated area.

Can I use it in an ultrasonic cleaner?

Yes. For ultrasonic cleaning, dilute 1 measure of solution with 8 measures of water.

Should I polish the brass after cleaning?

Yes. Once the tarnish has been removed, rinse the item thoroughly with water, dry it completely and then polish or protect it as appropriate.

How can I help prevent the brass from tarnishing again?

Once clean and completely dry, a suitable protective finish can help reduce future tarnishing. Priory Polishes Jade Oil is one option for suitable metal restoration projects.

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Please Note

• For solid brass only; do not use on brass-plated items.
• Do not use through lacquer, sealant or another coating.
• Always test on a small, inconspicuous area before full application.
• Different brass alloys and previously treated surfaces may respond differently.
• Use in a well-ventilated area because the ammoniated solution has a strong odour.
• Very heavily tarnished objects may require several applications.
• Always rinse cleaned items thoroughly with water and dry completely.
• Take particular care with valuable, delicate or historically significant objects.

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Health & Safety

Always read the product safety information before use.

• Wear suitable protective gloves and protective clothing.
• Use in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid inhaling vapour.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, face, hair and skin.
• Do not breathe vapour, mist or spray.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources.
• Do not smoke while using the product.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling the product.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
• Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

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Safety Data Sheets

• Safety Data