Some people prefer patina bronze-some like the bright finish. Question is:Is there a good solution for removing the tarnish from the bronze portal frames(exterior).I've tried virtually everyting! Any suggestions?
'Tanks'In Advance,
Allan-Cape Dory 30 Ketch,
The Ospey Hull No:27
silkraw@msn.com
cleaning bronze portals
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Nautical Traditions Offic
Re: Cleaning bronze port lights...
Captain Castle,
Yes, the port lights can be cleaned, but to paraphrase an old sea dog from the Wooden Boat School: "Why would you want to, don't you want her to look like she's ever been anywhere?"
The tarnish is natural. But, you can clean it with "On & Off" hull cleaner. It will remove it post haste, BUT, have a hose ready to wash it all away, and then I would splash on a goodly bucket or sponge full of baking soda laced water to neutralize the acid. Even so, the bronze will probably be tarnished again in about 1 month.
There are more important things to worry about in my estimation, like is the First Mate absolutely comfortable, does she have a glass of fine wine in hand, and will the skipper have 'wittles on the table at the proper time? Oh, AND you might just be thinkin' about whether or not you can maintain your Fleet standing next year....
FWIW.......your HUMBLE servant.......
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
CDSOA #1
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.
Yes, the port lights can be cleaned, but to paraphrase an old sea dog from the Wooden Boat School: "Why would you want to, don't you want her to look like she's ever been anywhere?"
The tarnish is natural. But, you can clean it with "On & Off" hull cleaner. It will remove it post haste, BUT, have a hose ready to wash it all away, and then I would splash on a goodly bucket or sponge full of baking soda laced water to neutralize the acid. Even so, the bronze will probably be tarnished again in about 1 month.
There are more important things to worry about in my estimation, like is the First Mate absolutely comfortable, does she have a glass of fine wine in hand, and will the skipper have 'wittles on the table at the proper time? Oh, AND you might just be thinkin' about whether or not you can maintain your Fleet standing next year....
FWIW.......your HUMBLE servant.......
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
CDSOA #1
Nautical Traditions Officer
CDSOA, Inc.
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Bristol Bronze
Re: cleaning bronze portals
Dear Allan,allan castle wrote: Some people prefer patina bronze-some like the bright finish. Question is:Is there a good solution for removing the tarnish from the bronze portal frames(exterior).I've tried virtually everyting! Any suggestions?
'Tanks'In Advance,
Allan-Cape Dory 30 Ketch,
The Ospey Hull No:27
I would think twice about using harsh chemicals on your boat. There is no telling what else they might damage.
The green patina on your fittings is Cupric Oxide. This is a natural oxide that forms on any copper based metal as a protective barrier against corrosion. It is best left in place to do its job.
However, if you absolutely have to have your Bronze clean and shined then try a ScotchBrite Wheel. You may have to search a little but I am sure that you can find an industrial supply store in your area that carries them. They come in a size just about the same size as the grinding wheel on a bench grinder. With a little effort they can be adapted to fit an electric drill. They will cut down your work by about 95%.
One weekend a month for my drill with the Navy Reserves I work on the restoration of the USS Salem (CA 139) which is being turned into a museum in Quincy, Mass. Having been laid up since 1959 her brass and bronze was badly tarnished. The ship's volunteers attacked it with ordinary metal polish. They made progress but it was slow. I donated to the ship some of the used ScotchBrite wheels from my shop. They made up an adapter and use them on an electric drill. Now a brass data plate that would have taken over an hour to restore can be done in less than a minute.
If you would like more information I can be reached at 401-625-5224.
Roger W.
Bristol Bronze
RogerW@meganet.net