What is the best way to remove the tarnish from a stamped brass fronton on a comtoise clock?
Answer Hi Sherry, Metal refurbishing and polishing is a very specialized field, and I always strongly recommend that this work be done only by a professional metal refinishing service. If your clock is an original, antique Comptoise, it is quite valuable and deserves the very best care. However, if you want to try it yourself, you must first determine if the brass is lacquered. It may be possible to observe flaked areas, or you could try lacquer remover on a small, less noticeable area and see if the brass looks shiny after applying it. If the brass is lacquered, you cannot polish it, and it must be professionally removed, polished and relacquered. If the brass is not lacquered, the best solution is to use regular liquid brass polish and lots of elbow grease. You should use a soft cloth, and q-tips in the nooks and crannies. A toothbrush works well in hard-to reach areas, BUT may scratch the brass. Remember that the brass on these clocks is quite thin, and you must take care not to dam
