Best solution for Brass

[Coyote]

Before:



After: using 50% vinegar and 50% ammonia solution + 1 hour in small vibratory cleaner made for jewelery. Pretty amazing and zero effort.

[tricky1962]

I've got to ask..you get some acid and neutralised it with some alkali. It sounds as though you cleaned them in ammonium acetate. Where did you get the idea?

Not that you didn't get a good result, but I think the ultrasonics did the work not the solution you used.

The internet seems to suggest degreasing brass, removing oils etc with a bit of alkali, then removing any surface oxidation with a bit of acid - maybe that is where it came from

Can I suggest an improvement would be to add something that acts as a surfactant next time.

I've used this stuff professionally in the past with good results - http://www.decon.co.uk/english/decon90.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - there must be an equivalent available in the US. I think you are really looking for an ultrasonic cleansing solution rather than something to polish a brass plate.

[Coyote]

You're more of a chemist than I am. I didn't search the internet at all. I just figured vinegar works well, maybe ammonia will make it work better. I never thought about acid and alkali, I just mixed the two together and went for it. I was impressed with the result. -------------- Oh wasll

[tricky1962]

Vinegar isn't strong, ammonia can be, so you probably used a weak ammonia solution - good at breaking down oils and turning them to soap.

You got a good result, but with the right stuff, I reckon you could have removed the dark varnish you can see in the photos as well.

Best of luck with what you've done http://www.jonrb.com/emoticons/beer.gif

[Powderfinger]

I use simple green and water in my tumbler. It works really well, I haven't tried much else to compare it to though.

[Coyote]

I figured I'd do the floats too. I screwed up and left the last one in for 2 hours. I had to wear sunglasses to carry it from the garage to the workshop

[Coyote]

I use Lime-a-way all the time on carburetor bodies and bowls. It lightens the dull castings real well. Never tried it on brass Those look outstanding!
I see a packet of new Suzuki bolts in the background. Don't you just hate the way they dish out the heads now? They look really cheesy to me