How to Clean & Care
Cleaning Tips & Warnings
CAUTION: The use of any Chemicals must be used with extreme care.
CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE USING ANY CHEMICALS.
Oxidation & Storage
Brass is a metal made up of zinc and copper. When it is clean, it has a naturally shiny, gold look. Unfortunately, like other metals, as brass is exposed to air, it can begin to tarnish. Tarnished brass tends to turn a blackish, greenish color, similar to an old 1 & 2 cent piece or Penny. This transformation is called oxidation. The eliminate & slow this process place your bell back into the plastic bag provided & put into an air tight container.
Polishing
Firstly, wash your bells in warm soapy water. Use multiple ultra soft thin rags to gently buff back to polished state, remembering to be gentle as the thin coat of lacquer acts as a shield for the brass. If the shield is broken you may need to polish more vigorously to get your bell back to your desired state & finish with a new lacquer coat to seal your hard work. Remember not to have any finger prints or streaks visible before starting this final process. Polish with multiple light circular strokes to help preserve the life of your bell. I have found a Ultra soft buffing ball on the power drill to be most effective & non destructive. The use of a small brush (maybe an old toothbrush) to clean hard to reach areas can be useful. (engraving & fixings only)
Note: Not all bells have a bright shiny finish, please ask us first if you are unsure.
Advanced Polishing
If the above doesn't work it's time to get serious. We have two metal polish products available on our store. Please make sure you take time to select the appropriate item to get your best possible finish. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us with a description & photo for our recommendations.
- Wenol Red (Click to Purchase) - For all Just Bells Handbells & Standard Ships Bells
Multi-purpose polisher (Not suitable for anodized or lacquer coated surfaces.)
- Wenol Blue Ultra Soft (Click to Purchase) - For all Just Bells Chrome Ships Bells & First Grade Ships Bells.
For fragile metals & show polish finishes (Finishing Polish on Coated Surfaces)
Advanced Polishing Tips
Use multiple ultra soft thin rags to gently buff back to polished state, remembering to be gentle as the thin coat of lacquer acts as a shield for the brass. If the shield is broken you may need to polish more vigorously to get your bell back to your desired state & finish with a new lacquer coat to seal your hard work. Polish with multiple light circular strokes to help preserve the life of your bell. I have found a Ultra soft buffing ball on the power drill to be most effective & non destructive.
