Hi BW community!
I’d like to clean up the face of my metal house numbers and letterbox. I think it’s made of brass. What would you recommend for this job? Goof off and a cloth? Brass polish?
Thanks!
Hello @simonmckb
I suggest using either the https://www.bunnings.com.au/brasso-250ml-metalware-polish_p4465767 or https://www.bunnings.com.au/autosol-75ml-chrome-and-metal-polish_p4460667 . The suggested general steps are to remove the numbers from your letter box using a screwdriver and laying the numbers on a flat level surface and then follow the application instructions of the cleanser. Please make sure to use a clean rag to avoid contaminating the cleanser.
In regard to the large brass front of the letter box, I suggest masking all the sides of the letter box with masking tape and newspaper or plastic sheets. You can then use either cleanser on the surface of the brass cover plate. Once the front cover is restored you can then remove the masking tape.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Hi @simonmckb,
To add to Eric's suggestion, I'd recommend picking up a https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-90mm-3-piece-polishing-pad-set_p0354515 , which can be used in a drill and will make life a whole lot easier than if polishing by hand.
Mitchell
Hi @simonmckb
Before you refix the numbers and remove the masking tape, I suggest using some of this…
Laquer
Otherwise you will be doing this every few months!
Edsited to add, Wipe the surfaces down with isopropyl alcohol first to remove any traces of polish.
Just checking in to see how you got on with cleaning up the letterbox and house numbers.
Did you end up using Brasso, Autosol or another product, and were you able to get the finish back to your liking? I'm also curious whether you decided to apply a clear lacquer afterwards to help protect the brass.
If you've completed the project, we'd love to see an updated photo and hear what worked best for you. It could be really helpful for other members looking to restore their own letterboxes and house numbers.
Looking forward to hearing how it turned out.
I applied the isopropyl alcohol to the numbers and letterbox, then i applied one coat of the brasso with a microfibre cloths. It has come up a little bit better. Should i at a later time follow the same process to clean it up further? Or look to use a polishing drill as you've suggested previously?
thank you very much for the update. If you really want the brass to shine, using the polishing drill would be the way to go. My best advice would be to remove the numbers from the wall to prevent it from being stained by the cleaners. I would also suggest putting masking tape around the letterbox front again to prevent staining the wall.
