Removing tarnish from brass beads

[shpeil]

I've got me some goldhead beads, which I assume are made of brass, that have lost their shine and gone a brownish colour. Rather than chuck them, I thought I might try and rescue them. Obviously, Brasso is a bit impractical on something so small. I thought I might try soaking them in a spot of lemon juice and seeing what happens - the juice should be easy to rinse off. Anybody tried it, or have any other suggestions?

Happily, the beads I've tied onto hooks seem to be okay - not as bright as they could be, but okay. In future I might try putting a bit of varnish over the bead to see if that helps prevent tarnishing/dulling. Is anybody able to report whether this does any good?

Neil

[maharg]

I would imagine the juice would make it worse (acidic).
Dont worry to much about the beads being a little dull it is more the action of the fly created by the bead than the colour.
In some situations, wild fish, you are better with a dull bead as a bright one will spook them.
ATB
Graham

[brannan]

I completely agree with Graham,

I prefer a dull bead, although if you want a shiny one, either stick them in cola, or some HP either or should do the trick.

[Chris Reeves]

If the beads are solid brass you can shine them up, but a lot of beads, expecially the cheaper ones are just coated and cleaning will totally remove the finish.

I'd buy new beads and use the tarnished ones for more subtle patterns

Cheers

[black knight]

Put the beads in malt vinagar and wash them well after 24 hours soaking.

BK

[shpeil]

Cheers, I will do some experimenting.

(Perhaps I should have said, when I just want a bit of weight, I prefer to use a bit of lead under the dressing rather than a brass bead at the front. So shinyness is part of the object.)

Neil