Refinishing/restoring bronze portlights

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Scott
Deck Grunge Scrubber
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:11 pm
Location: West Bay Nova Scotia

Refinishing/restoring bronze portlights

Post by Scott »

Hi, I am looking for some advise on the best (read easiest) method to restore the original bronze portlights on my Triton. I had heard that Muriatic acid was good for getting things started, but would love to hear from those of you that have sucessfully accomplished this laborious task to satisfactory results. Thanks, Scott #227
Have recently purchased Pearson Triton which I will be restoring over the coming months/years!
CharlieJ
Wood Whisperer
Posts: 649
Joined: Fri Aug 19, 2005 7:42 pm
Location: South coast of Texas, Matagorda Bay

Re: Refinishing/restoring bronze portlights

Post by CharlieJ »

we use lemon juice
Tallystick
Skilled Systems Installer
Posts: 177
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 10:54 am
Boat Name: Nostalgia
Boat Type: Pearson Triton Yawl

Re: Refinishing/restoring bronze portlights

Post by Tallystick »

I used muriatic acid to get rid of the chrome remnants. Then used a brass wires brush, followed by Wright's copper cream applied with a toothbrush. Also used a stainless wire wheel with fine bristles in a few places where the chrome was stubborn.
Scott
Deck Grunge Scrubber
Posts: 41
Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:11 pm
Location: West Bay Nova Scotia

Re: Refinishing/restoring bronze portlights

Post by Scott »

thanks for the replies. the muriatic acid and steel wool seem to be getting things to a point of respectability !
Scott
Have recently purchased Pearson Triton which I will be restoring over the coming months/years!
Paulus
Skilled Systems Installer
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Boat Name: Guillemot
Boat Type: Mariner Ketch

Re: Refinishing/restoring bronze portlights

Post by Paulus »

Don't use steel wool - get brass wool. The steel wool will get stuck in crevices and cracks and cause rust stains. Don't ask me how I know.
Tallystick
Skilled Systems Installer
Posts: 177
Joined: Fri Sep 09, 2011 10:54 am
Boat Name: Nostalgia
Boat Type: Pearson Triton Yawl

Re: Refinishing/restoring bronze portlights

Post by Tallystick »

Some of the chrome can be too tightly adhered to be removed with brass wool or a brass brush. Like Paulus said, steel wools is bad because it can leave rust stains. Use a stainless wire brush for the difficult chrome. Muriatic acid should loosen it up enough that it will flake off. I also used a small file in a few places. If you do end up getting some rust stains, they can be easily removed with oxalic acid, which is sold at hardware stores (sometimes called wood bleach).
rescuesailor
Rough Carpentry Apprentice
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Joined: Thu Mar 09, 2006 11:28 pm
Boat Name: SV Christina Louise
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Location: Kingwood, TX

Re: Refinishing/restoring bronze portlights

Post by rescuesailor »

I use Lime-Away first. Then I use a brass wire wheel. I finish using Prism Polish. I love the stuff. The shine is unbelievable.
David
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