Cleaning Brass Dial Bezel

[DrewV]

I have a vintage clock with a thin brass bezel pressed in place over the dial. Apparently, this clock had been in a pretty harsh environment (smoke, dust, sunlight, etc.) which has caused the bezel to acquire a pretty heavy layer of dirt, oxides, and whatever else. It's actually tarnished to the point where it's almost a dark reddish-black color.

Now at one time, I'm pretty sure this bezel was laquered, but I'm not too concerned about that right now. I just want to clean off the junk so I can repolish the underlying brass and possibly relaquer it.

What's the best way to do this? I tried ammonia, alcohol, acetone, various household cleaners, plain old soap and water, etc. with no effect. I used Nev-R-Dull wadding and was able to get down to the base brass metal in a small area only after applying a SIGNIFICANT amount of elbow grease.

Is there a better way? Realize that this bezel is very thin and will bend quite easily if I apply any sort of heavy pressure during the cleaning process. It seems that a chemical action is required, but none of the chemicals I've used thus far have been entirely effective. Perhaps I need to soak the entire bezel for an extended time period? Am I using the right chemicals?

Thanks for any assistance.

[DrewV]

I have a vintage clock with a thin brass bezel pressed in place over the dial. Apparently, this clock had been in a pretty harsh environment (smoke, dust, sunlight, etc.) which has caused the bezel to acquire a pretty heavy layer of dirt, oxides, and whatever else. It's actually tarnished to the point where it's almost a dark reddish-black color.

Now at one time, I'm pretty sure this bezel was laquered, but I'm not too concerned about that right now. I just want to clean off the junk so I can repolish the underlying brass and possibly relaquer it.

What's the best way to do this? I tried ammonia, alcohol, acetone, various household cleaners, plain old soap and water, etc. with no effect. I used Nev-R-Dull wadding and was able to get down to the base brass metal in a small area only after applying a SIGNIFICANT amount of elbow grease.

Is there a better way? Realize that this bezel is very thin and will bend quite easily if I apply any sort of heavy pressure during the cleaning process. It seems that a chemical action is required, but none of the chemicals I've used thus far have been entirely effective. Perhaps I need to soak the entire bezel for an extended time period? Am I using the right chemicals?

Thanks for any assistance.

[Doug Campbell]

Drew;

I have had good results by soaking the bezel in clock cleaning solution (L&R 7 to1), then using 000 steel wool dipped in the same solution.

Cheers,
Doug

[Joe Collins]

Drew,
I have had good results using equal parts of vinegar and lemon juice and a dash of salt. I apply it with 0000 steel wool. This leaves a satin finish that is easily polished if that is desired. I have attached a before and after picture of the top of a carriage case. This part had a brushed finish.
HTH

Joe

[DrewV]

Well, I ended up using a Dremel tool and a polishing wheel attachment with some Soft Scrub and water and polished up the bezels. Being careful, I was able to get 90% of the junk off with a little effort.

The remaining 10% was removed with elbow grease and Nev-R-Dull. That stuff works great.

I wiped down the bezels with acetone afterwards and applied some automotive wax to seal them up. They look great and shouldn't tarnish for a long time.

[Cathy in Hawaii]

Aloha Drew,

For general removal of serious grime, rubbing it with "GoJo" (the orange pumice hand cleaner) works quickly. Test it on a small part where it won't be seen to make sure it isn't too harsh, though.

For copper parts the vinegar/salt does real well. (I use that a lot on copper cookware.) Many clock parts have lacquer on them which keeps that method from working real well until after the lacquer is removed.

Keep on ticking