Best way to clean nickel-plated fonts?

Discussion in 'Fettling Forum' started by Doc Mark, Aug 9, 2014.

  1. Doc Mark

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    Greetings, All,

    I posted a thread today, in the Coleman section, about two lanterns I recently found. One was a 1920 Air-O-Lantern Model QL, and the other was, I believe, an L427. Both have nickel-plated fonts and both are in need of a good cleaning and restoration. What are the best ways to clean the nickel-plated fonts, without doing them damage? Any and all suggestions, and helpful comments, will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, in advance, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Doc

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  2. Martin K.

    Martin K. Subscriber

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    Hi Doc,
    you should take care not to use cleaners containing Ammonia for nickel plated brass, as this can lead to damage to the brass over the long term. It can happen that the crystal microstructure will develop cracks due to the Ammonia creeping into the metal.
    If you search the forum you will find many products already used with good success by other people.
    I myself prefer to leave some patina on the items because they are oldtimers and can tell their own history. And there's no danger of damaging anything.
    BR, Martin
     
  3. pete sav

    pete sav Founder Member

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    Hi Doc
    I don't have so many nickel lamps here so not sure which method is best but I saw this on u tube don't see why it wont work on a lamp maybe lemonade instead of the water may help as well

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vooHwOOc6Hk

    cheers pete
     
  4. James

    James Subscriber

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    I use Autosol metal polish on nickel - I don't think it has any ammonia in it.
     
  5. longilily United Kingdom

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    Interesting process Pete :-k
     
  6. Doc Mark

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    Good Morning, Gents,

    Thanks for your comments and suggestions. I have long known that ammonia-containing products, like Brasso, and Hoppe's #9, can etch nickel-plating, if left in contact with it for too long. But, for years I've used Hoppe's on my firearms, including a lovely nickel-plated Smith and Wesson Model 29, .44 Magnum, with it's 8 3/8" barrel, and there have been no harmful effects, at all. However, I only use this stuff to clean the firearm, and when finished, make sure to wipe it all down, and remove all Hoppe's from the gun. Done that way, Hoppe's is not harmful to nickel-plating. But, if you soak a nickeled part in Hoppe's, say for over night, your part will very probably be etched in the morning, and looking horrible!! So, the cautionary comments about using Hoppe's, and very probably Brasso, and all other such ammonia-based cleaners, is wise and should be strongly considered!

    I have a few nickel-plated Coleman lamps down in the Hobbit Hole, and one, in particular, I don't care if I mess up. So, maybe I'll practice on that one, first, and see how it all turns out. If no harm is done, and the oxidization is removed from it, then I'll go the same route on the two recent arrivals. Thanks, again, Gentlemen, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Doc
     
  7. Martin K.

    Martin K. Subscriber

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    Hi Doc,
    in general the Ammonia doesn't harm the Nickel plating (except as you said it is in contact with it too long). It removes the oxydation very well.
    But it is not good for the Brass metal beneath the Nickel plating, which can happen to develop cracks. That was my intention to explain in the earlier post.
    There's no objection against use of Ammonia for polishing Nickel or Chrome plated steel/iron items.
    For Brass items you can better use detergents containing caustic soda instead of Ammonia.
    BR, Martin
     
  8. Doc Mark

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    Hi, Martin,

    Many thanks for the extra information. I will definitely keep that in mind, when it's time to dive into these two lanterns in earnest. As a test, I used the crumpled up aluminum foil trick on an old Coleman lamp, about which I don't care too much, and it did seem to work. Just water and foil, and elbow grease. So, I might try that on these lanterns, too. I'll see what polish comes to hand, and then experiment on the junker Coleman before trying any of it on the ones I just got. Thanks, again, and God Bless!

    Every Good Wish,
    Doc
     
  9. Gneiss

    Gneiss Subscriber

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    I use T-Cut then a good wax car polish to protect it...

    The water and foil trick definitly works on chrome as I've tried it a few times now.
     

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