How to Remove Scratches from Brass: A Step-by-Step Guide

Brass is a beautiful and versatile metal, but it can easily become scratched and dull over time. Whether you have a brass vase, candlestick, or other decorative item, scratches can detract from its appearance. However, with the right techniques and tools, you can remove those pesky scratches and restore your brass to its former glory. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of removing scratches from brass, step by step.

Determine the Type of Scratch

Before you begin, it’s important to determine whether the scratch is on the surface of the brass or if it’s a deeper scratch that has penetrated the metal. If the scratch is on the surface, it may be a protective lacquer coating rather than the brass itself. To check, clean the brass thoroughly and buff it with a soft cloth. Then, use a bit of lacquer thinner or acetone on a soft cotton cloth to rub the scratch. If the scratch disappears, it was in the coating, and you can buff the area energetically and restore the protective coating with a thin layer of clear nail polish or metal lacquer.

Start with Gentle Abrasives

If the scratch is in the brass itself, start with gentle abrasives to remove it. Clean the brass well with a polish formulated for use on brass, and buff energetically to see how much of the scratch can be worked out. Use only soft cotton or cotton felt cloth or buffing pads to avoid further scratching. Wool and polyesters can be abrasive. Rub the scratch with your buffing cloth or pad in a circular motion until the surface of the metal feels warm. The scratch may soften and flatten out as the metal gets warm.

Use Abrasives Wisely

If gentle abrasives don’t work, you may need to use more aggressive ones. Start with jeweler’s rouge, applied with a soft cloth and rubbed in a circular motion. If the scratch is still visible, use as fine an emery cloth or steel wool as you can find to wipe lightly across (at a right angle) the scratch until it disappears and you can see only the shallow scratches left by the abrasive material. Polish with rouge or brass polish and buff it back to an even shine to match the surrounding brass.

Using Technology to Remove Scratches

Electric rotary tools and mini-sanders can be used to buff out scratches, but be very careful to hold them lightly on the surface. Again, work across the scratch to abrade and, in a circular motion, to buff. Avoid trying to hurry the job, as it can lead to further damage.

Restoring the Finish

Once you’ve removed the scratch, polish the entire piece and buff thoroughly. You should not be able to see your repair. Most metal polishes lay down a tarnish-resistant coating that will last for a few weeks. Regular polishing is the best way to avoid further scratches due to energetic cleaning to remove heavy tarnish.