I’m would like to know what is the best method of cleaning brass parts prior to painting. In particular, I have some Smokey Valley stancions that need cleaning. Soap and water removes the mold release agent but not the tarnish. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Gary Taylor
There really isn’t any reason to remove the tarnish. You could do more harm then good by doing so. Tarnish is an oxide of the metal and very well adhered (atomically) to the base metal. Removal may leave pits or other surface impefections. I would use vinegar to remove any oils on the parts and then rinse in distilled or soft water and allow to dry on a paper towell. try not to handle them with bare hands after that until they are painted and they should be fne.
I would try either acetone, if you suspected that any oils were still on the paint, or plain old tri-sodium phosphate (TSP). Both are excellent pre-paint treatments. Whatever you do end up using, try it in an inconspicuous place and use lots of light to determine if there is an unwanted outcome.
I’d go with Selector, try some TSP in hot water. Get a small plastic container, mix it up and plunk in the parts. If you use something like a small tupperware container, then you an agitate it a bit to speed it along.
One of the best degreasers I know of is dishwashing liquid. A good rinse in luke warm distilled water afterwards should remove any residual from the sudsing agents. Some Q-tips (cotton swabs) for around detail (cleaning and drying), then “don’t touch” with human hands 'til primer. Good luck.