GIl Sanow Posted October 15, 2013 Share #1 Posted October 15, 2013 Today I found my father's WW1 brass reflector compass -- the same one he used a surveying camp at an engineering school (Case) and the one I used in Scouts to learn compass. It was heavily tarnished with green verdigris. I used a wood splinter to scrape off the worst on one side, then used a coarse cloth to rub off more. Then I spotted a can of WD-40 and decided to give it a try. A squirt on the cloth was all I needed -- the green stuff came right off! It seems to dissolve the waxy tarnish with almost no effort. I would only use it on brass, not on leather because I am unsure of the long-term effect. I wonder if WD-40 will also prevent future verdigris buildup. It remains to be seen. Has anyone else had a similar experience? G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugme Posted October 15, 2013 Share #2 Posted October 15, 2013 I am told that on brass, WD40 will indeed prevent future verdigris. I'd agree, I wouldn't let this get near leather or old painted surfaces because it could have a destructive effect on those materials. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cutiger83 Posted October 15, 2013 Share #3 Posted October 15, 2013 Thanks for the tip! I will definitely have to try this. Every true Southerner has WD-40 and a roll of duct tape in their tool box! ...Kat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 15, 2013 Share #4 Posted October 15, 2013 Yes Gil. I've used a Q-tip soaked with WD40 to remove verdigris from around rivets etc., many times. As you say, it works fine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIl Sanow Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted October 15, 2013 Saberjet,-- have you noticed any long-term effect on the leather the rivets were in? I fear it might cause some sort of deterioration. G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted October 15, 2013 Share #6 Posted October 15, 2013 Saberjet,-- have you noticed any long-term effect on the leather the rivets were in? I fear it might cause some sort of deterioration. G Not really Gil...other than a little staining around the base of the rivet where the WD has soaked into the leather...negligible really. I always dig out that "blue goo" with a tooth-pick first! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIl Sanow Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share #7 Posted October 15, 2013 I am really concerned about the long term effect -- years, decades even. G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BROBS Posted October 15, 2013 Share #8 Posted October 15, 2013 you know what will remove verdigris? lemon juice and a q-tip or brush. then you are not leaving any petroleum product to sit on an antique. -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIl Sanow Posted October 15, 2013 Author Share #9 Posted October 15, 2013 I'll try that -- thanx. G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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