65Strad

Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:56 am Post subject: Cleaning slides safely? 3M Tarni-Shield Brass/Copper polish

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I'm sending out my early 70's SN# 70503 silver 43 bell 25 mouthpipe Strad to Bob Reeves today. I don't mind saying that I'm a little apprehensive. This subject of valve alignment is never devoid of illiciting many shades of opinions on both sides of the subject (pro/con).

In preparing my horn last night, I decided to try cleaning my slides inside and out with 3M's Tarni-Shield Brass and Copper polish. The slides look practically brand new without taking any discerable metal off of them (just tell tale tarnish). I used an old tshirt to rub the polish on the slides with no real effort. I also put some of the polish on a mouthpiece brush and cleaned the inside of some slides and rinshed throughly with the same result. A little Hetman 3rd valve slide oil (works great) on 3rd valve slide and 1st valve slide.

I never applied anything for cleaning on the slides previously, think it will do any harm?

Tom

Tootsall

Tarnishield isn't recommended for raw brass I don't believe. I try to keep it on silver-plated surfaces only.

Speaking of which... I need to buy some more (my wife discovered it for her silver spoons and passed the word along to her mother!) and can't find it in any of the "usual places".... anybody know which chain retailers handle it these days? Canadian preferrably but the "big box guys" usually have the same products across the border.

gzent

Tom,

Don't give it a second thought, its not that abrasive.
Just be sure to neutralize the cleaner with a thorough rinsing with a detergent or alcohol.

If you're not sure ask Bob Reeves, he'd know.

Greg

__________________
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Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revalation
And the mind's true liberation

nieuwguyski

There is a formulation of Tarnishield specifically for brass (and apparently copper) -- it sounds like that's what 65Strad is using. I've never seen the brass stuff, but remember a depressing post by someone who'd used the brass formula on their silver-plated trumpet and scratched the heck out of the finish.

65Strad, if your Tarnishield is indeed brass and copper polish I think you're fine. Many of us swear by Tarnishield silver polish, so presumably the brass and copper formula is good stuff too.

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John N. Nieuwguyski

65Strad

I have used Tarni-Shield silver polish for years on my old 43 Strad trumpet SN# 70503 and yes, it is the best for silver plated instruments a far as I'm concerned. The 3M product in question in this thread is called Tarn-Shield Copper & Brass Polish.
I'm holding the black bottle, same size as the silver polish 10. OZ.

It states: Not a lacquer. Contains no abrasives. Cannot scratch or harm copper or brass. I guess the question was rhertorical however we are talking about brass instrument slides so I thought I would ask in case someone experienced problems with the slides loosening. The slides were cleaned and essentially polished as a result of the product being a polish however these slides didn't seem to loosen at all.and this horn is 32/33 years old. I just wanated to get some of the deep rust colored oxidation patch's off the slides. The horn is well maintained and I didn't want any acid baths done or suggested so I figured I'd wipe the slides down.

I have an early 70's raw brass Strad 37 bell cornet that I got on E-Bay, SN# 58831 and when I received it I thought that it has lacquer on it because it was gleaming. The guys used this stuff on the horn. I have since let this horn oxidize to a nice patina that I prefer. No green hands though, I have Larry Black from Leather Specialties make custom valve guards for my horns. They are protected from the ravages of normal hand wear and they are very well made.

If this Tarni-Shield truly doesn't remove any metal it may be the ideal slide cleaner to use once every 10 years or so if needed.

gzent

Tom,

That's all good. The best product (non-laquer) I found to really slow down the brass from tarnishing is Skin-So-Soft.

Greg

__________________
Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Mystic crystal revalation
And the mind's true liberation

Robert Rowe

Greg -- (gzent):

Which of the Avon "Skin-So-Soft" products are you referring to -- there are numerous, including a "sun-screen / insect repellant" ??

Robert Rowe

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