Alternative to Wrights Brass Polish?

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mlane111
Posts: 6
Joined: Feb 22, 2023

by mlane111 »

For Cleaning the interior outer slides of an old brass horn - Wrights Brass polish seems to be the product of choice? But its hard to find and expensive - is there an alternate product anyone likes that might be on par? (I read Brasso is too abrasive?) Plan to use in conjunction w the Slide Dr Polish and Treatment

Thanks in advance
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Burgerbob
Posts: 6327
Joined: Apr 23, 2018

by Burgerbob »

I use Hope's.
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Posaunus
Posts: 5018
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by Posaunus »

I had no problem finding this on line. Ordered 2 years ago from Amazon:

Wright's Brass and Copper Polish and Cleaner - 8 Ounces - $7.28 + tax.

Not at all expensive - and 8 ounces should last for several years!
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timothy42b
Posts: 1812
Joined: Mar 27, 2018

by timothy42b »

I use Simichrome on handbells (I direct a handbell choir.)

I have not tried it on a trombone, mine are either lacquered or silver.
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Posaunus
Posts: 5018
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by Posaunus »

[quote="timothy42b"]I use Simichrome on handbells (I direct a handbell choir.)

I have not tried it on a trombone, mine are either lacquered or silver.[/quote]

The OP's application is to clean the interior of the outer slides, not the exterior, whether lacquered or not.

If Wright's is not available, I think Weiman would be an acceptable substitute.

It's important to get <I>ALL</I> the polish residue out of the outer slide before using it (this is time-consuming), or you will inadvertently scar the smooth chrome-plated surface of your inner slide.
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

I've heard good things about Flitz and Haggarty's polishes. I always used Wright's myself.

The trick is to use the cleaning rod with some cheesecloth or muslin to apply, good water rinse, then a new piece of cheesecloth or muslin to remove any leftovers.

When I was a kid and needed to clean the inside of an outer slide I found that a heavy application of cold cream to the slide, worked in, and then cleaned off, was good for getting that initial layer of lube set up.

For mouthpieces I've even used Bon Ami and Barkeeper's Friend. Both are more aggressive than Wright's but seem to be OK.
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timothy42b
Posts: 1812
Joined: Mar 27, 2018

by timothy42b »

[quote="Posaunus"]<QUOTE author="timothy42b" post_id="203442" time="1677501495" user_id="211">
I use Simichrome on handbells (I direct a handbell choir.)

I have not tried it on a trombone, mine are either lacquered or silver.[/quote]

The OP's application is to clean the interior of the outer slides, not the exterior, whether lacquered or not.

</QUOTE>

Whoops, my screwup. I read too carelessly. Apologies.

I did the same on Wordle this morning too.

In my defense, foot cramps kept me awake last night.
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Macbone1
Posts: 501
Joined: Oct 01, 2019

by Macbone1 »

Flitz polish (German) is like Simichrome on steroids and polishes any metal really well and safely.

BTW I once tried Bon Ami on a Giardinelli mouthpiece with gold plated rim and it wiped the gold right off down to the silver just like wiping off a layer of dust. Proceed with caution.
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mlane111
Posts: 6
Joined: Feb 22, 2023

by mlane111 »

Thanks errbody - unfortunately Wrights and Weiman's have a supply issue or something (Found a bottle of Weimans for a paltry $65!) so gonna try Hope's? and copy major cleaning after polishing inside of the outers. I also plan to try the Slide Dr Polymer treatment as well after. Appreciate all the advice as I get my horn back in shape!
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Posaunus
Posts: 5018
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by Posaunus »

[quote="mlane111"]Thanks errbody - unfortunately Wrights and Weiman's have a supply issue or something (Found a bottle of Weimans for a paltry $65!) so gonna try Hope's? and copy major cleaning after polishing inside of the outers. I also plan to try the Slide Dr Polymer treatment as well after. Appreciate all the advice as I get my horn back in shape![/quote]

Wow - I had no idea about the supply problems with Wright's and Weiman. It's real. Current price is 8 times what I paid two years ago.

Hope's Brass Polish looks like a great alternate, for only $8.99 from Amazon!
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jonphilpott
Posts: 24
Joined: Feb 10, 2022

by jonphilpott »

I haven't tried Hope's on an inner side, but it worked great on the bell of my unlacquered super
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Lhbone
Posts: 372
Joined: Sep 01, 2019

by Lhbone »

Is the "Wright's Copper and Brass Polish and Cleaner Cream" sold in a tub on Amazon safe to use?

Link: https://a.co/d/gDc5Rbp
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Crazy4Tbone86
Posts: 1654
Joined: Jan 14, 2020

by Crazy4Tbone86 »

I do not recommend Flitz for the insides of outer slides. I think it is a bit too aggressive.
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brassmedic
Posts: 1447
Joined: Dec 14, 2018

by brassmedic »

Those of you saying such and such brass polish is too abrasive, I have to ask - what are you afraid of? That you'll take off so much metal that the slide will leak? I have to say I find this highly unlikely.
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wayne88ny
Posts: 82
Joined: May 24, 2018

by wayne88ny »

The Slide Doctor is now recommending using Goddard’s Brass and Copper Polish. That seems to me like a pretty good endorsement.