Brass

[TimFitz]

I have a really nice Hamilton 978 Pocket watch that I have just completed. I needed a new crystal & dial redone,and serviced the movement. The watch has a beautiful solid brass case that was very badly tarnished. I got the case all cleaned and polished to a beautiful shine with a lot of work. What is the best product if any to seal it from tarnishing again. I know they used varnish originally. Here are some before and after photos. Does anyone have suggestions .

Thanks

[szbalogh]

Nickel plating is easy and safe. Last longer than brass. I would try that.

[oldhippy]

Clear lacquer is what you need. That's what is used on French Carriage clock cases if there not gilded. Use a very fine artists paint brush.

[TimFitz]

On 7/26/2016 at 10:53 AM, oldhippy said:

Clear lacquer is what you need. That's what is used on French Carriage clock cases if there not gilded. Use a very fine artists paint brush.

Is there any special lacquer I would need?

 

 

[lluvitar]

Not sure if any of you have seen any of the Clickspring videos on Utube where he builds a clock from scratch but he dips the parts in the lacquer.  Would be one way to avoid brush strokes and insure 100% coverage.  Been awhile but I believe he thinned the lacquer first.  Great looking watch TimFitz.

[TimFitz]

10 minutes ago, lluvitar said:

Not sure if any of you have seen any of the Clickspring videos on Utube where he builds a clock from scratch but he dips the parts in the lacquer.  Would be one way to avoid brush strokes and insure 100% coverage.  Been awhile but I believe he thinned the lacquer first.  Great looking watch TimFitz.

Thanks I'll look for it

[oldhippy]

This is the one I used to use. The clear one and it drys very quick.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/lacquers-rapid-drying

[TimFitz]

Great I'll check it out. Thank You

14 minutes ago, oldhippy said:

This is the one I used to use. The clear one and it drys very quick.

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/lacquers-rapid-drying

 

[TimFitz]

27 minutes ago, TimFitz said:

Great I'll check it out. Thank You

 

We can't get it here in the USA's to dangerous, I might hurt my self or others by spraying them I guess , I can however buy four guns a month but no more.

[TimFitz]

1 hour ago, TimFitz said:

 

  We can't purchase  horolacq here in the USA's to dangerous, I might hurt my self or others by spraying them  , I can however buy up to four guns a month..Sometimes I cant believe the stupid laws in this country.

 

[lluvitar]

Looks like the lacquer is thinned 50/50 before dipping.  Here's a recent video starting just before he dips it.  These videos are every bit as addicting as Mark's and make me wish I had a lathe to play with.

Dipping pendulum in lacquer

 

[TimFitz]

3 minutes ago, lluvitar said:

Looks like the lacquer is thinned 50/50 before dipping.  Here's a recent video starting just before he dips it.  These videos are every bit as addicting as Mark's and make me wish I had a lathe to play with.

Dipping pendulum in lacquer

 

I can't take on any more interests, there are only so many hours in a day and patience in my wife.

[lluvitar]

1 minute ago, TimFitz said:

I can't take on any more interests, there are only so many hours in a day and patience in my wife.

Well whether it's fortunate or unfortunate for me, I'm retired and my wife has the patience of Job.  I'll never get a lathe though, but would love to spend an afternoon or two turning some brass.  And the level of blueing he achieves on the steel is phenomenal.  

When you polished your case was it by hand or a buffing wheel.  

[TimFitz]

4 minutes ago, lluvitar said:

Well whether it's fortunate or unfortunate for me, I'm retired and my wife has the patience of Job.  I'll never get a lathe though, but would love to spend an afternoon or two turning some brass.  And the level of blueing he achieves on the steel is phenomenal.  

When you polished your case was it by hand or a buffing wheel.  

I am a full time Artist , part time computer repair geek, private Pilot, watch collector. To be honest my wife is a saint.

I got the case all cleaned up with my Dremel and good old Norwegian steam.