Stain on brass?

[Jasio]

We were going to put a Jim Moore lentil press in the garage sale section that we got about two months ago and noticed a weird stain. I was curious if anyone kn0ws what this could be from? We have a val cox marver that is brass on the bench as well but didn't get these markings and we've had that for over a year. The press is still smooth so the markings seem only visual but going to do a test to see if it affects the glass at all.

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Jason

[theglasszone]

It looks like oxidation to me...probably from some ambient moisture in the air. Should be OK; for me, though, I routinely polish all my brass stuff a couple times a year so such oxidation doesn't lead to corrosion, which does eventually start to eat into the surface, eventually causing it to start deteriorating and gets bumpy and lumpy like "orange peel"! :shock:

I use this product; use good ventilation and if you don't want gunk on your hands or under your nails, I recommend wearing some rubber gloves. This stuff is AMAZING! I've brought some pretty filthy and tarnished stuff completely back to life using it: http://www.nevrdull.com/

It's available at most Hardware places; check the "Where to get..." link and you've probably got a place nearby to purchase.

Hope this helps!

:)

[kbinkster]

That could be caused from overheating the brass. Eventually, it will pit.

It could also be the quality of the brass. If it has other metals in it, that could be what's oxidizing. I would call Jim about it. It could be that he was given a different grade of brass than he thought, or something, and I'm sure he would appreciate a heads up (if that is the case).

I would say that if there are no other tools popping up with this problem, then it is from you overheating it.

[Jasio]

We only used the press twice and these markings came a while after the last time we used it so I would assume it wasn't from overheating.

Would oxidation only happen on one side because the other inside part of the lentil is fine. One outside part is like this and the other is fine as well.

I should get that product you suggested anyway for the val cox marver and see if it cleans up the lentil press.

Thanks to both of you for your replies :)

Jason

[ROC]

Have you used it to make any beads with baking soda? Some of my brass got those little dark specks after I was playing with it. No harm to using it on glass, though.

[Jasio]

We haven't used it with baking soda, just plain moretti glass.

Jason

[Puddy Tat Glass]

I had the exact same thing happen to my presses. I hadn't been in my studio for most of July, went out to work on some orders and found all of my presses (all 3) with these stains. It must be from tiny amounts of moisture in the air. I have the heat off in the studio and keep the doors and windows closed, but we've had a LOT of fog lately and it must be seeping into the studio...that's my only guess.

[Teri.p]

I clean my brass tools with Brasso... The scent takes me back to my days in the army and getting ready for inspections. :smile:

ETA: I got the Brasso at the grocery store; I've also seen it at WalMart.

[Jasio]

I just realized that I haven't used the press for baking soda beads, but it was on the bench when I was so some must have drifted over onto it. Thanks for the Brasso tip Teri!
Andrea