Protection for brass and silver

[Banksy]

Probably the wrong thread for this question - but I am talking about finishings. And I have diligently (3 hours anyway) searched the forums.

Specifically what would be recommended as a protective coating for plated brass statue? The plating on the brass casting seems to be slightly silvered(?) and is wearing through after many years (70+) of occasional polishes.

Also the same question of a protective coating for an 80% silver statue? It is not plated.

I've seen lacquer mentioned, but am not sure what is meant by that. And have also seen some reference to beeswax for shiny metal finish protection, but again am not sure.

Any suggestions or pointers most welsome.

[burraboy]

Have a look at the label on a spray can of INCRALAC at your hardware and see if that will do what you want.

[China]

If the statues have any value you should not be polishing them at all and not coating them with any kind of lacquer, they should only be cleaned with mild soap and warm water and not srcubbed then rinsed and patted dry with a lint free cloth

[Therapy]

I agree with China, particularly if they are of value, be it monetary or sentimental.

However, if you are keen on some sort of protection and they are not too big/heavy, take them to an antique dealer and seek his/her opinion.

[Banksy]

Thanks burraboy - seems so far to be what I was after. I mean the brass pieces haven't lost their shine as yet.

China / Therapy,
Point taken. In my case the keeping a reasonable shine on the brass pieces was of some importance - they are anyway of no monetary, and little sentimental, value - but have some value as display pieces.

The silver piece I mentioned is different - passable monetary value. Took quite some work to remove tar and ash deposits and glue - the tar probably from original maker, and the ash and glue possibly from its use as an altar icon. The soap and water treatment gave a finishing touch.

All are now in satisfactory display condition - many thanks for the advise.

[rsser]

Incralac on a brass fire screen worked well for me. It's a pressed low-relief scene kind of thing that I had a metal restorer clean up before spraying on the Incralac. I'm not fussed about its value as an antique.

[ubeaut]

The brass one sounds like it was originally silvered and has had it all but rubbed off with continual polishing over the years. Brass is often finished with white or dewaxed white shellac after polishing and cleaning to stop dulling and tarnishing.

Lots of brass stuff is or was finished with shellac. I remember my parents buying a set of brass candlesticks back in the 60's and having them shellacked to preserve them. Only gave them away to a cousin a few months ago and they were still in the same beautiful condition they were when purchased some 50 odd years ago, except for a slight bend in one of the arms due to being dropped from a great height.

Hope this is of some help.

Cheers - Neil

[munruben]

Wattyl make a spray on lacquer that preserves brass and copper. comes in a spray can and costs around $22. Thats what I paid for my can anyway.

[Banksy]

munruben

That's the Incralac that I used after following burraboy's tip off. And it works very well.

Have now got a nearly full can of it and nothing more to use it on though.

Was talking to a string instrument repairer the other day and they use a straight varnish on brass work (on double basses and the like) after scouring and polishing to get the nice bright finish - didn't specify which varnish but probably white shellac.

Thanks to all for your help.

Banksy