Do not use Brasso to polish copper and brass medals . Brasso is more abrasive than silver polishes, and will remove more metal and design details. The polish residues left from Brasso can be very difficult to remove.
What do you clean medals with?
- Gently apply the dip solution to the medal using a cotton swab (do not immerse the medal in the dip).
- Thoroughly rinse the dip from the surface of the medal, first in running tap water, then in distilled water.
- Degrease and dewater the medal in acetone.
- Allow the medal to air-dry on a paper towel.
What’s the best way to clean war medals?
- There is a difference between removing dust and dirt (cleaning) and removing a tarnish (polishing)
- Polishing medals is generally discouraged. ...
- If the medals are dirty or dusty, brush with a soft brush and rub gently with a cloth.
- Avoid using commercial polishes (like Brasso) or immersing in water.
Should you polish war medals?
The simple answer really is: it’s your choice , as the current owner, or custodian of the medals. Some people like the dark patina which occurs when medals are not cleaned, but others are conscious that soldiers themselves never wear tarnished medals and prefer them to be bright and shiny.
How do you clean a bronze medal?
- Step 1: Mix 2/3 cup vinegar and 2/3 cup flour in a glass bowl.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup salt and stir.
- Step 3: Spread on tarnished metal. Wait 1 to 2 hours.
- Step 4: Rinse, dry and polish with a soft cloth and a dab of olive oil.
How do you keep medals from tarnishing?
Wrap the medal in acid-free tissue paper or well-washed fabric , preferably undyed. Soft cotton and linen fabric such as sheets, handkerchiefs or teatowels are suitable, but other fabrics such as velvet should not be used because some contain acidic dyes, which can cause the metal to corrode.
What is the most expensive war medal?
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour ‘in the face of the enemy’ and was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to honour bravery during the Crimean War.
What do I do with old war medals?
Basically it comes down to four choices: display the items in your home, donate them to a museum or historical institution, store them away or sell them . Before reaching a decision, find out exactly what you have and its value. Start by getting information from the veteran, if he or she is still around, then dig.
How do you clean old coins and medals?
Cleaning coins and medals
Store them in dry conditions, preferably in metal drawers, not in wooden trays or cabinets, or on woollen materials such as felt, which may give off damaging vapours. After handling them, rub them with a soft cloth to remove potentially damaging fingerprints.
How do you store medals?
Hanging Your Medals. Hang your medals from a display shelf with hanging hooks . Purchase a display shelf with hanging hooks that are attached to a wooden strip that runs underneath the length of the shelf. Medals with ribbons can be hung from the hooks, while medals that cannot be hung can be placed on the above shelf.
How do you clean anodized medals?
Use silver cleaner on each medal’s surface. (Silver cleaner should be used on all types of medal, whether silver, gold or brass.) Use a soft cloth and rub gently to remove grime.
What medals were given in ww2?
- Medal of Honor.
- Navy Cross.
- Distinguished Service Cross.
- Distinguished Service Medal.
- Navy Distinguished Service Medal.
- Legion of Merit.
- Silver Star.
- Bronze Star.
How do you remove corrosion from coins?
If you want to go ahead and clean corrosion off of your old coins, baking soda likely is the safest route to follow. Wet the affected coin with clean tap or distilled water, roll in baking soda, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.
Can you use WD-40 on bronze?
Use the soapy mixture to wipe down the bronze. Next, use a clean cloth and clean water to wipe down the piece. Make sure all of the soap suds are wiped away and completely dry. Lastly, wipe with a soft rag soaked with WD-40 (note – do not spray WD-40 directly on the bronze).
Can you use Brasso on bronze?
Brasso works on brass, copper, chrome, bronze, stainless steel, pewter, and aluminum. It’s a cleaner, polish and protection solution in one, for when you need to buff up lackluster brass, kitchenware and more – no polishing wheel required.
Does Toothpaste clean bronze?
Apply a small amount of toothpaste with a clean cloth to your brass. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water. Mix together 1/2 cup of vinegar , a teaspoon of salt, and a sprinkling of flour until it forms a paste.
