anything on cleaning old antiques?

Question

i bought this antique phone, its made of brass, i dont know how to clean it up.......its about 30 to 60 years old made in japan

Answer 1

True brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. It tends to oxidize (tarnish) quickly when exposed to air, which is a major reason why most brass is given a clear coating of lacquer to prevent this condition. Most conventional
Brass turns "black" when cleaning due to over-use and misuse of polish. The biggest challenge to the upkeep of most metals, including brass, is the removal and inhibition of tarnish. All substances, especially metals, oxidize when exposed to air. Once tarnish is removed, a chemical barrier should be created between the bare metal and the air to inhibit the process from re-occurring.

Cleaning (for light soils): The use of isopropyl (rubbing alcohol) applied with the sponge side of a light-duty, "white-padded" scrubbing sponge with the grain of the door. In the event of tougher scuff marks, flip over sponge and gently agitate with the grain of the metal with the white scrub pad.
For heavier soils: Dampen sponge side with water, and apply a light scouring low abrasion creme onto it. Work product into sponge, and then stroke it onto your door with the grain. Once completed, wipe surface thoroughly clean with a clean, soft rag. Once surface is cleaned, then go to the next step.
Polishing: One of the best tools which provides just the right amount of oil onto metal is a "yellow" treated dust cloth. Wipe down brass with this cloth and then buff it dry with a soft, cotton cloth. This trace amount of oil in the cloth should not smear or discolor, especially after buffing.
Lacquering can be done at home, but all old lacquer must be removed first, and the surface completely clean (no fingerprints or cleaner on it) before spraying the lacquer on evenly in multiple thin coats. It is hard to do well. Keep decorative items dusted and clean. Wash in sudsy, lukewarm water, rinse and dry. Never use hot water on lacquered items as it loosens the lacquer; do not polish them or soak them in water.

Olive Oil. Brass will look brighter and require less polishing if rubbed with a cloth moistened with olive oil after each polishing. Olive oil retards tarnish.

this will definitely help
for more visit
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/brass

Answer 2

It's best not to clean antiques as it diminishes value. People pay money for antique crud as well as the antique it'self. If you're not concerned about resale value you can polish it up with Brasso. Cigarette ashes makes a great polish, but it's smelly and a bit dirty - it really works though.

Answer 3

Brass polish, specially formulated for brass

Answer 4

don't clean it if you want it to be worth top $$. You could be rubbing away $! Gently wash the out side. Do not try to shine it, or rub of the tarnish or patina. You could be lowering it's value substantially!!

Answer 5

lemon oil is eat for that and it smells good too.

jan