Home > Community > What is this white layer on brass?
Upvote

VOTE

Downvote
+ Metal
+ Chemistry
+ Alloy
+ Corrosion
Posted by
Luke Harrison

What is this white layer on brass?

Chris Seymour  Follow

Judging from the location and colour, it is most likely residue from liquid polish that was not properly rubbed/polished off. Quite a few types of liquid polish for brass turn white when they dry, and any folds and creases in the design is where they would be most likely to accumulate if the person doing the polishing is not very thorough.

Depending on how long its been there, you may be able to shift it with just warm water and a soft brush or cloth, leaving the patina mostly in place. Otherwise you may need to use brass polish and polish the whole thing.

You could try asking advice from some of the better antique dealers or ideally someone who specialises in conserving antique brasses if the piece is a valuable antique.

More

Upvote

VOTE

Downvote
Jeniffer Stapher-Thomas  Follow
I just noticed a flat spot of the same white depot on a (non-metal) mineral part, so you must be right about it being some residuals of a cleaning product. And its indeed surprisingly easy to remove, a damp cloth seems to be enough.More
Upvote

VOTE

Downvote