What's a safe way to clean a brass token?

[BuscaPlata]

I found this one earlier this year and is one of my favorite tokens, but would like to make it look a little better without making it look like one that has never been under the ground. The front reads GEN'L AND MRS TOM THUMB, SOUVENIR 1881, back side reads P.T.BARNUM's GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH UNITED WITH THE GREATEST LONDON CIRCUS. Appreciate the help.

[metaladdict]

Maybe toothbrush and toothpaste. I am serious not a joke this time.

[bowwinkles]

Dawn dish soap and tooth brush but not to aggressive.

[BuscaPlata]

Originally Posted by metaladdict View post
Maybe toothbrush and toothpaste. I am serious not a joke this time.

Originally Posted by bowwinkles View post
Dawn dish soap and tooth brush but not to aggressive.

I'll give both a try, Thanks guy's

[Estima8tor]

If you're looking to just clean it then soapy water or tooth paste and a nylon brush will work just fine. If you want to get some of the luster back to the brass then try some polishing compound and a brass brush. I use the same stropping compound paste that I use to polish and hone my knife blades and it works well. Just smear some polishing paste on it with a cloth and gently work on it with the brass brush. Rinse and repeat until you get the desired effect. Buff it with a clean cloth towel when you're done.

It does remove some metal so I wouldn't do this on a rare or valuable relic but for everyday finds like this brass badge it's fine. It will bring out some of the details and make your brass finds look a lot more interesting.

You can get the brass brushes and honing compound on Amazon fairly cheap.

Brass Brushes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DM15R4V/ref=dp_prsubs_2

Honing compound (6000 to 8000 grit): https://www.amazon.com/Compound-Torm...s%2C153&sr=1-4

[BuscaPlata]

Originally Posted by Estima8tor View post
If you're looking to just clean it then soapy water or tooth paste and a nylon brush will work just fine. If you want to get some of the luster back to the brass then try some polishing compound and a brass brush. I use the same stropping compound paste that I use to polish and hone my knife blades and it works well. Just smear some polishing paste on it with a cloth and gently work on it with the brass brush. Rinse and repeat until you get the desired effect. Buff it with a clean cloth towel when you're done.

It does remove some metal so I wouldn't do this on a rare or valuable relic but for everyday finds like this brass badge it's fine. It will bring out some of the details and make your brass finds look a lot more interesting.

You can get the brass brushes and honing compound on Amazon fairly cheap.

Brass Brushes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DM15R4V/ref=dp_prsubs_2

Honing compound (6000 to 8000 grit): https://www.amazon.com/Compound-Torm...s%2C153&sr=1-4

I do have the brass brushes, just need that compound, will order some and give it a try, thanks I appreciate it.

[hoser]

That police badge looks awesome. A job well done.