Cleaning copper

[Len Clifton]

I’m having a nightmare. Decided to remove a sticker on a large, copper lampshade. Thought I’d use some methylated spirit, but it’s left white residue which is proving hard to get rid of. Add more meths and it just makes things worse!

I also tried Brasso, but that left a black oxide, which is even more difficult to get rid of. Any ideas on the best way to clean copper, and leave it shiny? My plan is to apply a coat of lacquer, once it’s clean.

Thanks

[SteBrown91]

Try some barkeepers friend? It’s what my nan used to use to clean her copper pots im sure

[clockworks]

Are you sure it's not already lacquered?

With "bare" brass or copper, Brasso followed by a wash in warm, soapy, water does the job.

[Simpo Two]

Meths doesn't leave a residue, so something's odd.

Worst case, wet/dry paper all over and start again...!

[Billy_Rosewood]

Citrix acid will do it.

[Len Clifton]

Simpo Two said:

Meths doesn't leave a residue, so something's odd.

Worst case, wet/dry paper all over and start again...!

It does react with copper and can cause it to oxidise. I’ve spent a good hour and a half on it this afternoon. It’s a nightmare.

[Len Clifton]

clockworks said:

Are you sure it's not already lacquered?

With "bare" brass or copper, Brasso followed by a wash in warm, soapy, water does the job.

It was laquered with something, hence the idea to use meths to remove it, before respraying. Does the soapy water remove the black residue left by Brasso?

Edited by Len Clifton on Sunday 25th May 21:45

[Aluminati]

Duraglit.

[JoshSm]

If you want to remove copper oxides then something with oxalic acid can do it (Barkeepers Friend, or some cleaning products), or citric acid will do it too & is friendlier and cheaper. In theory the citric acid works as a passivator too and won't touch the metal.

I've used citric plenty of times on plain copper and it's very effective at getting it back to a clean state.

[InductionRoar]

Meguiars metal polish.

[Len Clifton]

JoshSm said:

If you want to remove copper oxides then something with oxalic acid can do it (Barkeepers Friend, or some cleaning products), or citric acid will do it too & is friendlier and cheaper. In theory the citric acid works as a passivator too and won't touch the metal.

I've used citric plenty of times on plain copper and it's very effective at getting it back to a clean state.

Helpful, thanks.

[sherman]

If you can remove any electrical connections and find a big enough container for the shade.

Submerge it in neat CocaCola (real not supermarket own brand) and leave it overnight.

Wash off any excess with soapy water.

That should clean it up

[JoshSm]

sherman said:

Submerge it in neat CocaCola (real not supermarket own brand) and leave it overnight.

If you want phosphoric acid then one of the rust & calcium cleaners (like the Zep one) is a much cheaper option than Coke. HG Limescale Remover is another cheap option & includes some oxalic on top of the main phosphoric.

But citric is usually the ideal thing for plain copper.

[clockworks]

Len Clifton said:

It was laquered with something, hence the idea to use meths to remove it, before respraying. Does the soapy water remove the black residue left by Brasso?

Edited by Len Clifton on Sunday 25th May 21:45

Yes, from bare copper. It'll be the remaining lacquer causing the problems with black or white residue.

I get quite a lot of brass components that were lacquered at the factory. The lacquer degrades over time, so needs to be removed, the metal polished, and sometimes fresh lacquer applied.
I use ammoniated clock cleaner to gently strip the lacquer, Brasso to restore the shine, and hot soapy water to remove the polish residue.

[Len Clifton]

clockworks said:

Yes, from bare copper. It'll be the remaining lacquer causing the problems with black or white residue.

I get quite a lot of brass components that were lacquered at the factory. The lacquer degrades over time, so needs to be removed, the metal polished, and sometimes fresh lacquer applied.
I use ammoniated clock cleaner to gently strip the lacquer, Brasso to restore the shine, and hot soapy water to remove the polish residue.

I shall try this, thanks.

[dickymint]

Brown sauce