I've read and watched a couple videos of guys using regular oven cleaner spray on nickel parts associated with lanterns but is it also okay to use this spray, put it in a sealed bag for 10 or 15 minutes and then scrub it off with some soapy water? The videos I've watched people doing this does a pretty incredible job on its own without even polishing, I understand it won't always be as good as what they show but I'm just wondering if I can do this same process on a CQ from 1929 Without damaging anything?
Hi, Oven cleaner has some pretty strong stuff in it so I wouldn’t be putting it on a lamp Folk usually start with a wash with detergent first to get the dirt/dust off , then a mild Citric acid solution for short periods, removing and inspecting followed by a metal polish like autosol? It all depends on the condition of the lamp.. over time pitting can occur on the nickel so a very fine wire wool can be used carefully with the metal polish @MYN
I realize it's strong stuff, the oven cleaner is only left on for about 10 or 15 minutes in a bag closed up and probably only done on worst nickel cases I guess
Did you mistakenly tagged me, @podbros ? Most oven cleaners would contain lye (an alkali, sodium or potassium hydroxide)as the main active stuff, some wetting agents, surfactants and other minor constituents. But, better to 0check out the actual MSDS to be sure. Unlike acids, the alkalis won't damage nickels or steels. It would hardly attack brass to any extent. It'd clean up a lot grime and gunk but won't do much for removing oxidation and rust.
Hi Myn! I thought you would be the man to know about oven cleaner and what might be in it Hope you didn’t mind the tag Thanks
Ok, so Is it feasible to use oven cleaner on outside on a CQ 1929 fount without damaging the nickel or would it be best to just try a simple green type spray cleaner and brush first? I also understand that polishing will need done after general cleaning...(I also plan on filling the fount internally with water and mild soap and boiling it to clean the inside and at the same time submerged it in water to check for any air bubbles to ensure the fount is sound and doesn't have any pinholes)
How bad is the nickel? Can you post a photo? I just did some without anything to clean them up other than mild citric acid...and tin foil
If you're using a citric acid bath to remove/clean away tarnish and other oxidation on a nickel-plated brass fount or other items, don't leave them in for too long. Despite being a mild acid, it can still remove some nickel, which is not intended.
I have used "harpic 10x" but it is on / rub / off /rinse - I believe it is phosphoric acid and the trick came from bikers removing bluing from chrome exhaust pipes. However - this was last resort !
Harpic 10x contains muriatic(hydrochloric) acid as the active ingredient, not phosphoric. Muriatic is a sttong acid, unlike citric or vinegar. Harpic contains other constituents as well. The hydrochloric acid content isn't too high thus, it doesn't become fuming in moist air or gets too corrosive.
That’s not unusual in an old lamp. I usually then polish the tank with “Mothers Mag” or similar, then a layer of auto polish or bees’ wax to protect the polished surface. Tony
