Copper oxidation

• Oct 16, 2017

• #1

Guppy

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How can I prevent or reduce copper oxidation from accumulating on brass zippers, snaps, buttons? It's not a problem with most of my jackets, but I have one that accumulates this waxy build up where the leather is in contact with the metal. It's not hard to clean up with a paper towel, but it is hard to remove stains from clothing.

 

• Oct 16, 2017

• #2

casechopper

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I'm not speaking from experience but wouldn't a good wipe-down followed by some clear nail polish slow it down considerably? As long as the copper isn't exposed it won't oxidize.

 

• Oct 16, 2017

• #3

Guppy

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casechopper said:

I'm not speaking from experience but wouldn't a good wipe-down followed by some clear nail polish slow it down considerably? As long as the copper isn't exposed it won't oxidize.

Click to expand...

Maybe... If it sticks, and doesn't wear off from friction...

 

• Oct 16, 2017

• #4

Sloan1874

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Brasso is a good cleaner. You can get it as a fluid or wadding. When I was in the Boys Brigade, we had tunic belts that had to be meticulously cleaned otherwise they would gather this algae: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8...&hvtargid=kwd-143663255&ref=pd_sl_ll7boy1kh_e

 

• Oct 17, 2017

• #5

nick123

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I de-verdigrised a Langlitz Columbia once using several Q-tips. Can't recall what liquid solution (if any) I used in the process. Just took a long time to get most of it off IIRC. When you're done your floor will resemble a moss jungle!

 

• Oct 17, 2017

• #6

Deacon211

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My first thought was "Coca Cola", but reading up on it sounds like it would make more of a problem than it solved.

On the natural end, it looks like lemon juice and baking soda. On the chemical end, I have seen Tarnex do some cool things and looks like it won't gum up the zipper.

If your looking for something that "prevents" oxidation, I think that might be a more difficult prospect. Having been in the military, I have a deep appreciation for anodized brass, but I'm not sure what you can put on a zipper aftermarket that will stay on afterwards.


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• Oct 17, 2017

• #7

Deacon211

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Just found this. I wonder how hard it would be to carefully lacquer something like a zipper or snap.

https://www.doityourself.com/stry/brass-oxidation-removal-in-4-steps


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• Oct 17, 2017

• #8

Fanch

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As said by @Sloan1874 my input would also be Brasso from my personal experience polishing military hardware long ago.

 

• Oct 17, 2017

• #9

Peacoat

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casechopper said:

I'm not speaking from experience but wouldn't a good wipe-down followed by some clear nail polish slow it down considerably? As long as the copper isn't exposed it won't oxidize.

Click to expand...

Yes, the nail polish will work very will on the top part of the brass. But the heavy green oxidation occurs where the brass contacts the leather—underneath the brass. Can't really get the nail polish in there. I have one jacket where this is a problem. I haven't found a way to stop the oxidation. I just wipe it off when it becomes visible.

 

• Oct 17, 2017

• #10

A

Azog

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Linseed oil stops rust on iron. Might work with stopping tarnish on brass.

 

• Oct 17, 2017

• #11

Guppy

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Peacoat said:

Yes, the nail polish will work very will on the top part of the brass. But the heavy green oxidation occurs where the brass contacts the leather—underneath the brass. Can't really get the nail polish in there. I have one jacket where this is a problem. I haven't found a way to stop the oxidation. I just wipe it off when it becomes visible.

Click to expand...

I wonder if it's the composition of the alloy that results in the oxidation. I have many brass jackets, but I don't think I have the problem with more than two.

 

• Oct 18, 2017

• #12

rocketeer

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I love it, it gives the jacket a character even if it is fairly new, though I have only had it form on rarely used items with brass/bronze fittings. Regular use, zipping and un zipping of course, won't allow it to form on the teeth. There is some on my old(well, Kens really ) Battersea contract Aero. But that is over 30 years old and the zipper is still serviceable.

 

• Oct 18, 2017

• #13

navetsea

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like what already mentioned, brasso will do, but way too well for my taste, it will end up shiny like gold.
I'll just brush it off with old tooth brush, it takes a long time and certain condition to form that kind of oxidation, so I rather take only the green stuff off and keep the cool tarnish on rather than brasso it all off.

 

• Oct 18, 2017

• #14

GHT

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This tip could be either way off target, or it could just hit the nail on the head. Whilst I'm not a jacket junkie I do have a few. All my clothes, suits, blazers, overcoats, leather jackets, trousers et al, hang in my wardrobe inside individual zipper dust bags. Originally it was to prevent moth infestation, but keeping my clothes dust free keeps them smart. I don't know if there's any science behind it but I have never had an oxidisation problem.