How to remove polish ?

Any suggestions on how to remove years of polish
from the intricate details on old artifacts ?

An Ultrasonic cleaner is probably first choice,what else ?

Will hot water dissolve this stuff ?
One piece is Sterling Silver,the other looks like Copper.


Thanks for any help.

Ian

 

Mr. Clean and an old toothbrush. I've used it on jewelry repairs over the years, as well as removing the wax from polishing with a wheel.

Flatman

 

what about pepsi? its pretty acidic.
or an autoclave at the dentists office?

 

Acid could damage the original metal/pantina. An autoclave is a small steam oven for sterilizing instruments... did you mean an ultrasonic cleaner?

Flatman

 

Ammonia and a toothbrush. Mix as 90 water/10 ammonia, just a dab os dish soap. Works great for buffing compounds, should also work on polishes.

 

I'm with bugman on this one Ian;I think most silver and br*** metal polishes contain an element of ammonia to begin with.

 

I think ammonia will cause the copper to turn green on you.. but dont quote me on that. i used to know a bunch of stuff that would turn copper all sorts of different colors, but now i just cheat and use the premixed stuff...

 

false teeth cleaning tablet and water......don't ask me how I know!

 

The Germans tried and failed and the Russians tried and failed. It can't be done.

Potrzebie!

 

Very good benzine440;I had to read the post twice before my mind kicked into gear.It must be a Hamtramck thing.