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long-term tarnish protection of brass parts

long-term tarnish protection of brass parts

long-term tarnish protection of brass parts

(OP)
We manufacture many parts from polished brass.  
Long-term surface quality is a big issue for us.
Most of our finished goods are assembled from parts held in ready-to-use bin locations.  We ideally would like to find a way of storing the brass components so that they do not corrode (tarnish) whilst in stock.

I am aware of various vapour-release papers that are commonly used to protect steel, etc.  Does anyone know of anything similar effective on Brass or any better ideas??  Before placing in the ready-use bins, we tumble-polish, degrease, water-wash and hot-air dry all components.

After assembly, our parts are degreased again, spray lacquered and packed for sale.  If at all possible, the storage anti-corrosion should still allow the wash/lacquer step with only light degreasing.

We have tried pre-lacquering prior to storage, but then cannot assemble with glue or solder due to lacquer cote, and our finished product is full of fiddly detail, preventing effective cleaning after assembly.

Many Thanks in advance.
Minielectrician

RE: long-term tarnish protection of brass parts

There are some protective and lubricant liquids and sprays used in the plastics molding industry that allow the part to be paintable after use or with little cleaning.  You could try the paintable silicone, paintable mineral oil, paintable ester.  These would coat the surface, prevent oxidation, clean off easy with degreasers,and not interfere with lacquer cote.  They are available in spray cans, tanks, and bulk.

RE: long-term tarnish protection of brass parts

It sounds like the issue is exposure of the brass parts to ambient moisture. You may want to use a closed container with dessicant put inside.

In terms of coatings, I would find one with a suitable solvent for removal when it is taken from storage. You might dissolve polystyrene in acetone and then paint it on. Afterward, you can strip it in more acetone.

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