Outer slide cleaning - Klean Strip results??

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LeoInFL
Posts: 252
Joined: Apr 19, 2018

by LeoInFL »

I've been in a predicament finding an alternative to my 'tried and true' outer slide cleaner/polisher (Wright's Brass Polish not available anymore). Yesterday I watched a trombone cleaning video from SE Shires and their tech team uses Klean Strip Lacquer Thinner (organic version) for outer slides. A quick search showed that it's available at the Home Depot so I'm excited to pick some up.

I'd be interested to hear results from other forum members who currently use this stuff (or possibly effective alternatives).
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LeoInFL
Posts: 252
Joined: Apr 19, 2018

by LeoInFL »

Here is the portion of the video I mentioned:

<YOUTUBE id="FQz9M2gq0JA" t="2980">https://youtu.be/FQz9M2gq0JA?t=2980</YOUTUBE>
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ithinknot
Posts: 1339
Joined: Jul 24, 2020

by ithinknot »

Those things are both relevant, but they aren't equivalent.

Goddard's is similar to Wright's if you want a substitute brass polish. Polishing is an abrasive process.

For your purposes, lacquer thinner is a solvent which will dissolve lubricant buildup (...or lacquer). It will have no effect on surface oxidation or calcium deposits.

In the video, they're using the lacquer thinner to remove buffing compound from the manufacturing process. The binders in those compounds are oils/fats for which the thinner is a good solvent.

Along with chemical descaling, these are all different tools for different jobs.
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LeoInFL
Posts: 252
Joined: Apr 19, 2018

by LeoInFL »

[quote="ithinknot"]Those things are both relevant, but they aren't equivalent.

Goddard's is similar to Wright's if you want a substitute brass polish. Polishing is an abrasive process.

For your purposes, lacquer thinner is a solvent which will dissolve lubricant buildup (...or lacquer). It will have no effect on surface oxidation or calcium deposits.

In the video, they're using the lacquer thinner to remove buffing compound from the manufacturing process. The binders in those compounds are oils/fats for which the thinner is a good solvent.

Along with chemical descaling, these are all different tools for different jobs.[/quote]
Should I search for Goddard's Brass Polish? Metal Polish? Is Goddard's water soluable (that what I appreciated most about Wright's)?

Thanks for the info!
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ithinknot
Posts: 1339
Joined: Jul 24, 2020

by ithinknot »

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hornbuilder
Posts: 1384
Joined: May 02, 2018

by hornbuilder »

Hopes is another good, non-amonia, water soluble brass polish.
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ithinknot
Posts: 1339
Joined: Jul 24, 2020

by ithinknot »

[quote="hornbuilder"]Hopes is another good, non-amonia, water soluble brass polish.[/quote]

Yup, Wright's and Goddard's are both something like 3.5% ammonia. I see from the Hope's [url=https://hopecompany.com/ingredients#!/]ingredients list that they're using 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol instead... my understanding is that this is corrosive to brass in much the same way as ammonia. The residence time is low and it's always being thoroughly flushed in this application, so I don't think it's a huge issue either way.
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Kbiggs
Posts: 1768
Joined: Mar 24, 2018

by Kbiggs »

Is it not available retail in your area? I found the Wright’s website: https://jawright.com/brass

In my google search I also saw Wright’s products available at Amazon and Walmart if you’re okay with supporting corporate giants.