Polishing Engine Brass

October/November 1994
James W. Windle 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

4001 Fox Run Road, Powhatan, Virginia 23139

RELATED CONTENT

For those collectors with just a few engines to maintain for the shows, polishing brass at these events is a pleasurable pastime. However, as our collections grow in number, polishing brass becomes more time consuming, and looking at other engines becomes more enjoyable. I have solved this dilemma by initially cleaning all the engine brass, and coating it with lacquer for a high-gloss permanent finish.

Begin by cleaning each individual brass piece with paint thinner, to remove all the oils. File off deep cuts and 'dings,' and start sanding surfaces with 200 grit emery paper. Sand again with 400 grit emery paper, until all of the scratches are removed. Now, begin the buffing process, but don't forget to wear a dust face mask. Using a cotton buffing wheel, apply a buffing compound, Tripoli, liberally to the running wheel and buff all surfaces until a luster is achieved. Then, wash the item with warm soapy water and an old toothbrush to remove all of the grit completely. If an even brighter finish is desired, buff again on a separate buffing wheel applying jeweler's rouge in the same manner as before. Once a high brightness is obtained, again remove all residue with soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly and spray with clear lacquer suitable for metal surfaces. Now, forget the brass and go enjoy the show!

Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print

Comments

Add Your Comment

You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Farm Collector readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page.  E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.

New to GAS ENGINE?
Sign up to share comments.
Asterisks(*) indicate required fields.
Name*
Your name appears next to your comment.

E-mail Address*
This will be your login ID.

City State Zip Code

Password*


Confirm Password*

Comments
1500 character limit (Offensive materials and/or spam will be removed, no HTML allowed)
Please Note: Your sign-up must be verified via e-mail before your comment is published.
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


SUBSCRIBE TO GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE TODAY!

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE is your best source for tractor and stationary gas engine information.  Subscribe and connect with more than 23,000 other gas engine collectors and build your knowledge, share your passion and search for parts, in the publication written by and for gas engine enthusiasts! Every Month GAS ENGINE MAGAZINE brings you: restoration stories, company histories, and technical advice. Plus our Flywheel Forum column helps answer your engine inquiries!

Be sure to take advantage of the Square Deal Subscription Program.

  • No Missed Issues.

  • No Renewal Notices.

  • No Additional Cost.

The Square Deal Subscription Program is designed as a paperless transaction with automatic renewals at a preferred low rate.   With advanced electronic notification, a 100% satisfaction guarantee and an easy opt-out plan, the Square Deal Subscription Program is the best value, risk free, eco-friendliest way to subscribe.