TromboneChat

For Cleaning the interior outer slides of an old brass horn - Wrights Brass polish seems to be the product of choice? But its hard to find and expensive - is there an alternate product anyone likes that might be on par? (I read Brasso is too abrasive?) Plan to use in conjunction w the Slide Dr Polish and Treatment

Thanks in advance

I use Hope's.

I had no problem finding this on line. Ordered 2 years ago from Amazon:
Wright's Brass and Copper Polish and Cleaner - 8 Ounces - $7.28 + tax.
Not at all expensive - and 8 ounces should last for several years!

I use Simichrome on handbells (I direct a handbell choir.)

I have not tried it on a trombone, mine are either lacquered or silver.

timothy42b wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 5:38 am I use Simichrome on handbells (I direct a handbell choir.)

I have not tried it on a trombone, mine are either lacquered or silver.

The OP's application is to clean the interior of the outer slides, not the exterior, whether lacquered or not.

If Wright's is not available, I think Weiman would be an acceptable substitute.

It's important to get ALL the polish residue out of the outer slide before using it (this is time-consuming), or you will inadvertently scar the smooth chrome-plated surface of your inner slide.

I've heard good things about Flitz and Haggarty's polishes. I always used Wright's myself.

The trick is to use the cleaning rod with some cheesecloth or muslin to apply, good water rinse, then a new piece of cheesecloth or muslin to remove any leftovers.

When I was a kid and needed to clean the inside of an outer slide I found that a heavy application of cold cream to the slide, worked in, and then cleaned off, was good for getting that initial layer of lube set up.

For mouthpieces I've even used Bon Ami and Barkeeper's Friend. Both are more aggressive than Wright's but seem to be OK.

Posaunus wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 10:51 am

timothy42b wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 5:38 am I use Simichrome on handbells (I direct a handbell choir.)

I have not tried it on a trombone, mine are either lacquered or silver.

The OP's application is to clean the interior of the outer slides, not the exterior, whether lacquered or not.

Whoops, my screwup. I read too carelessly. Apologies.

I did the same on Wordle this morning too.

In my defense, foot cramps kept me awake last night.

Flitz polish (German) is like Simichrome on steroids and polishes any metal really well and safely.

BTW I once tried Bon Ami on a Giardinelli mouthpiece with gold plated rim and it wiped the gold right off down to the silver just like wiping off a layer of dust. Proceed with caution.

Thanks errbody - unfortunately Wrights and Weiman's have a supply issue or something (Found a bottle of Weimans for a paltry $65!) so gonna try Hope's? and copy major cleaning after polishing inside of the outers. I also plan to try the Slide Dr Polymer treatment as well after. Appreciate all the advice as I get my horn back in shape!

mlane111 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 27, 2023 3:32 pm Thanks errbody - unfortunately Wrights and Weiman's have a supply issue or something (Found a bottle of Weimans for a paltry $65!) so gonna try Hope's? and copy major cleaning after polishing inside of the outers. I also plan to try the Slide Dr Polymer treatment as well after. Appreciate all the advice as I get my horn back in shape!

Wow - I had no idea about the supply problems with Wright's and Weiman. It's real. Current price is 8 times what I paid two years ago.

Hope's Brass Polish looks like a great alternate, for only $8.99 from Amazon!

I haven't tried Hope's on an inner side, but it worked great on the bell of my unlacquered super

Is the "Wright's Copper and Brass Polish and Cleaner Cream" sold in a tub on Amazon safe to use?

Link: https://a.co/d/gDc5Rbp

I do not recommend Flitz for the insides of outer slides. I think it is a bit too aggressive.

Those of you saying such and such brass polish is too abrasive, I have to ask - what are you afraid of? That you'll take off so much metal that the slide will leak? I have to say I find this highly unlikely.

The Slide Doctor is now recommending using Goddard’s Brass and Copper Polish. That seems to me like a pretty good endorsement.