Hello, First post but I've been enjoying the forum for several months now. I've a rapidly growing collection and you're a useful group Most recently I acquired a 1921 Optimus No.1 that was covered in crud, solder and wax. After a hot bath, simple green and a soft brush it's clean but very splotchy. I'd like to preserve the patina. Is there a way to even it out without polishing it up?
Short answer is no. Different parts of the fount are subject to different events.Spilled kerosene near the fuel port or alcohol below the primer cup will remove the lacquer making the brass age faster in places. Your Optimus # 1 looks great as is I would just wax or oil it. You can always polish it later but you can never put back 75 years of age.
I guess it depends on how you define 'patina'. A steady oxidization over many years resulting in an even mahogony glow is one thing, but years of spilt kerosene and bacon fat is another. To polish or not to polish always generates lively debate, but in the end it's down to the personal choice of the owner. I'm not aware of any method that will effectively even out an existing patina. One option might be to polish then artificially age the brass. Have a look at this thread - https://classiccampstoves.com/threads/how-do-you-make-shiny-brass-look-old.33037/ Terry
Thank you for the responses. It's what I thinking but was hoping for some unknown to me method. It is a tough call. For now it will stay as is. It's not to bad. I'll focus getting it burning and post better pics in the gallery. This is my 4th primus. I have No. 100, 2 8R's, and 71L. As well as a Svea 123 plus a number of Coleman. Thanks again.
Hi, Some will call me a heretic for saying this, but I figure if God wanted brass to stay brown, He wouldn't have invented brass polish! I don't buy stoves to be collectors, shelf queens or investment properties, where an honest patina may have value. For me, they're tools, and good tools deserve good care, so I love to see those oldies all cleaned up and shiny as they were when new. Others don't. Personal opinion, no? Rick C
Get it to burn well, and wipe off what sticky crud melts on the tank while it is in use. Then gradually the patina which develops becomes part yours and you become part of the history of it. You can clean it and reset history - but only your tracks are left after doing that.
Man didn't invent citric acid. Not sure we invented brass either, though we sure made it a lot more common. ....Arch
Hi, Just playing off a common "Americanism", geeves! Quite commonly heard as "That's why God invented (insert whatever...)", often in reference to something extremely common that's been around seemingly somewhere close to "forever"! Sometimes used in a bit of a chiding fashion, e.g.: "But I'll get dirty doing that." "That's why God invented soap and water!" Rick C
I knew that. It just that if anyone wants my stoves to be shiny they are welcome to pop in and polish them
