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Brass Clocks
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Causes of damage
The factors that can cause damage to brass clocks include careless
handling, poorly done cleanings and repairs, winding them too much,
and having the stored or displayed in an area that will cause environmental
damage to them. Poor environments are places where there is high
or fluctuating humidity that gets high regularly, temperature, and
excessive exposure to light, pests or pollution.
· Brass clock cases
The greatest cause of damage to any metal is corrosion. So help
prevent corrosion on your brass clocks even if it is only brass
clock case. Corrosion comes from pollution or salts—even the
oil and salts of human hands..
When your brass clock is just sitting there and dust accumulates
on the surface of any metal object--it clings to moisture and increasing
the rate of corrosion formation. Keeping your brass clocks clean
and free of dust and you can reduce this problem.
· Maintaining low humidity levels
Having low humidity in the places where brass clocks are stored
or displayed can significantly slow down the amount of corrosion
that forms. The recommended temperature and humidity levels for
brass clocks is 68 o F.
· Painted Metal Clock Faces
In environments where humidity levels are high, corrosion will form
between the paint layer of the clock and its brass support. Corrosion,
of course, will develop beneath the layer of paint and can push
the paint away from the surface of the brass clocks face.
· Light levels
Some paints are susceptible to darkening and fading from exposure
to high light levels.
· Metal hardware
All metal hardware such as knobs, hinges and handles should be removed
from the brass clock before cleaning.
The safest method is to use a paste consisting of gilders whiting
(chalk) or fine rottenstone that has been mixed with ethanol (ethyl
alcohol) and water. The paste will have a consistency like toothpaste.
Gently rub the paste on the surface of the brass part of your brass
clock—using a soft cloth rag or a cotton ball. Residual paste
should be removed by wiping it off with a mixture of alcohol and
water. This method may seem slow and time consuming, but it is the
safest way to polish metals. Always take consistent care of your
brass clocks, so they will live longer and in better condition.
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