Which varnish?

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

Could anyone recommend a good varnish for brass? The only varnish I have come across is for wood. Is it the same stuff?

Thanks, David

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Rustins though you need to be careful not to get brush marks as it dries quickly and will drag.

[SamsarandaParticipant @samsaranda]

After much deliberation about what varnish to use on a brass cased barometer that I recently refurbished I chose to use the aerosol lacquer that you get in the paint section of Halfords, it is meant to be used to seal the aerosol metallic paints once applied. I gave the brasswork two coats and it looks great, time will tell how it fares long term.

Dave W

[PlasmaParticipant @plasma]

I would avoid lacquer unless you have really good conditions to apply it under.

I use renaissance wax polish for protecting polished brass as it prevents finger marks and tarnishing.

If it's good enough for the British museum it's good enough for me.

Regards Mick

[Robin GrahamParticipant @robingraham42208]

Rylard Brass Lacquer is the best I've found after trying several things. I'm no expert at spraying, but it goes on nicely for me without any especially good conditions. It seems to be the product of choice for protecting marine brasswork . I used it for the brass plaque on a memorial bench I made last year and the plaque has survived last summer and the winter without any discernible deterioration.

Robin.

[Russell EberhardtParticipant @russelleberhardt48058]

For clocks I've always used shellac dissolved in alcohol, applied thinly with a cotton makeup wipe. Best to warm the brass slightly before hand to stop blooming if it is at all humid. It has the advantage that it can be wiped off with meths if you ever need to remove it.

Russell

[Bob StevensonParticipant @bobstevenson13909]

One of the best lacquers for brass is 'L'tonkinois' which is advertised in the modeling press. It's a thick natural shellac and gives a superb finish if applied correctly with the following warnings in mind…..

You coat the brass with the lac and by turning and moving the brass allow a smooth coat to spread over the work…then cover with something to keep dust off while curing overnight. The resulting coating is smooth, glossy and beautiful…

….And now the 'con'…….the brass MUST have been heated and cooled BEFORE using the product as it tends to draw the copper out of the brass in long streaks. Prior heating prevents this. I discovered all of this when making my first clock and was devastated when the purple streaks appeared about a week after application…however, I noticed that the parts which i had silver-soldered or otherwise heated were unaffected.

[Mick B1Participant @mickb1]

Posted by JasonB on 11/06/2019 17:19:39:

Rustins though you need to be careful not to get brush marks as it dries quickly and will drag.

Yes, you need to be quick, but you get a good finish if you are.

This racer for the grandkids (in Brio gauge ) is phosphor bronze and delrin – I varnshed it with Rustins a couple of weeks ago:-

Hope it keeps its shine.

Edited By Mick B1 on 11/06/2019 22:08:33

[ChrisHParticipant @chrish]

+1 for Le Tonkinlois – for all varnishing, it's also waterproof (so they say!).

Chris

[DanielParticipant @daniel]

Mick,

Just love the racing car.

ATB,

Daniel

[David NobleParticipant @davidnoble71990]

Wow, lots to choose from there

Many Thanks, David

[Russell EberhardtParticipant @russelleberhardt48058]

Posted by Bob Stevenson on 11/06/2019 20:30:24:

One of the best lacquers for brass is 'L'tonkinois' which is advertised in the modeling press. It's a thick natural shellac and gives a superb finish if applied correctly with the following warnings in mind…..

Le Tokinois is not, according to their website, a shellac varnish. It is an oil based varnish, linseed and tung oil. A traditional varnish for boats. I wouldn't want to use it on clock plates where it will be difficult to remove from pivot holes – OK for purely decorative parts though.

Russell

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