How to polished Bronze

[CWO (ret) Gilles Aubé]

We have two 1810 Bronze 12 pounder 18 cwt Smooth Bore Gun and we would like to polishe the two big cannons.
Does any one have a clue how to do this?
Gilles

[Mike Cecil]

Are they displayed indoors or outdoors? The surface treatment will differ.

In either case, talk to a metals conservator. I expect there is one employed by the CDN War Museum who could provide some brief advice.

Mike

[rob love]

There is actually a department that is only concerned with conservation: CCI.
https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute.html
I am not sure what they are going to tell you, but I am pretty positive that taking a buffing wheel to it will not be the answer. Even silvo and brasso are both frowned on. I know at work the conservators use a special powder. Once the tarnish is treated, wax is often used to prevent deterioration on metal.

If you don't get an answer from CCI, I can put you in touch with our conservator. She will often contact CCI or read up on some of their papers to answer new problems.

[CWO (ret) Gilles Aubé]

Merci pour les réponses.
Thank for the answers.
I will try the war Museum and CCI.
Gilles

[maple_leaf_eh]

I don't think polishing, which removes the top layer, is advised. I would clean and neutralize any damaging corrosion, but no more. Then apply a barrier layer of wax.

Years ago I remember seeing some small brass cannons at Royal Rhodes in Victoria. They had small warning plaques that the brasses were not to be polished.

[B. Harris]

Dont clean them.
Original Patina.
Leave them alone.

Jus' Sayin.
Harris

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

Originally Posted by B. Harris

Dont clean them.
Original Patina.
Leave them alone.

Jus' Sayin.
Harris

Polished brass is a thing of military beauty. Polished brass is what recruits do, from buttons to door knobs to cannon barrels. Polishing brass until there is no more detail and it glistens in the sun is, well, let's just say it makes me swell up inside. Patina is just an excuse to not get out the old brasso and toothbrush.

(oh, and your bits are in the mail...finally....)

[Robin Craig]

Professionally polishing brass employs big tools at high speed and various compounds. The dust given off is awful and a respirator should be worn, nothing less.

Once polished, various clear type finishes can be applied to hold it in that or near to that condition.

I worked in a specialty metal fabrication shop welding such items and installing them.

All of the polishing staff worked their behinds off under awful conditions, I am happy I fabricated and welded and installed and didn't do that work.

Polished brass can look wonderful for years but costs large to get it like that.