Brass and Bronze : These alloys contain a significant amount of copper. When they come into contact with skin, especially in humid conditions, they can oxidize and leave a green stain.
Copper, which makes up about 60 percent of brass, turns green over time as it oxidizes. So, it's only logical to assume that brass turns green over time, too. However, it's highly unlikely for this color change to spread onto your skin.
Consider getting a jewelry-only toothbrush (make it cute, why don't you), and dry the brass completely to prevent dark water spots. For added protection, you can coat the back of the piece (the part that comes into contact with your skin) with clear nail polish or a sealant (like Renaissance wax, my personal favorite).
How Long Does Brass Take to Tarnish? If you leave it to tarnish naturally, it could be as much as two years. But there are plenty of ways that you can speed up the ageing process of bronze and brass. You can buy bottles of brass and bronze ager online.
Combine vinegar and salt, then add flour to create a paste. Apply the paste to tarnished brass, ensuring full coverage. Let it sit for 30 minutes, rinse with warm water, and dry with a soft cloth.
Essentially, the green color results from the copper coming into contact with water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide over time, causing a coating to build on the surface. Yet, instead of rusting, it morphs into a beautiful blue-green color.
Chemical Reaction: The combination of the acid in vinegar and the abrasive action of salt enhances the cleaning process. The acid reacts with the tarnish while the salt helps to scrub it away, revealing the shiny brass underneath. Heat for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes. Pour the mixture into a container for your parts.
When not in use, store brass items in a dry, cool place. Avoid humid environments as moisture can accelerate tarnishing.
Oxidized brass (which happens as a natural result of brass reacting with oxygen in the air) usually presents with greenish or bluish hues, an effect sometimes called “patina.” The integrity of oxidized brass remains intact, and the patina can always be polished away.
The green layer you see is called tarnish and forms when brass is exposed to the carbon and sulfur dioxides in the air. It's basically a thin layer of corrosion that forms and it can only be eliminated with a thorough cleaning which requires you to remove some of the surface and patina of the piece.
Platinum! It's always been a fantastic metal choice for engagement rings and wedding bands because it is a pure white metal that won't change color or fade. It's non-corrosive.
Compared to bronze, brass is more malleable, making it ideal for applications that require a high level of formability. On the other hand, it also demonstrates a significantly lower melting point (900 degrees Celsius).
To extend its life, avoid wearing brass pieces in the shower, pool, or when washing your hands, as water exposure can cause tarnishing over time.
Always be aware of what materials are present in your rings, in order to avoid the Green Finger. Stainless steel, 925 sterling silver, platinum, rhodium-plated and gold-plated materials are all made from safe materials that are good for sensitive skin, and yet can still cause some staining.
Color is one way to tell brass and bronze apart. Brass is usually yellow, like dull gold, while bronze is generally a reddish brown. But the key difference between these sturdy, versatile copper alloys lies in their composition.
Similarly, avoid using steel wool or metal bristled brushes as they will leave scratches on the surface of the lamp. A thin coating of mineral oil, linseed oil, or WD-40 Multi-Use can be effective in preventing tarnishing. Try to avoid touching brass items too much.
Clear polish acts as a barrier, but the effectiveness can vary depending on the metal. It is generally more effective on base metals like copper, brass, or nickel, which are more prone to tarnishing. Precious metals like gold and platinum are less likely to tarnish and may not benefit as much from this treatment.
Flour/Vinegar Paste: Mix one teaspoon of salt into a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Add flour until the liquid becomes a paste and spread over the brass. Let the mixture sit for up an hour then rinse and buff the piece.
Antique brass typically exhibits tarnish unless meticulously cleaned. Zinc and copper react with air and oils, causing mottled tarnish with shades of gray, black, red, and brown. Thick tarnish can develop over time, covering the piece completely.
Cleaning brass: the basics
A number of household products can be used to help you maintain brass including everything from basic soapy water to Coca-Cola or white vinegar.
(Cola or peroxide? Not proven or recommended for household brass; those methods are sometimes suggested for firearm cleaning.)