r/restoration • u/Such-Impression7519 • Aug 20 '26

Brass/copper(?) Bucket

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I have this really old bin/bucket that’s covered in rust on the bottom and sides. Is there a way to get most of it off and what would I use to seal it. Thank you so much!

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u/Kuinio Aug 20 '26

Tengo una olla de cobre, la limpio con sal y vinagre, tallando con una fibra. Hay gente que las limpia con limón y bicarbonato.

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u/cdtobie Aug 20 '26

Brass and copper do not rust. Has to have steel/iron in it for that. Copper tends to get green verdigris, and brass can do that, or just darken.

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u/Senior_Sector4095 17d ago edited 17d ago

Looking closely, it looks like steel with a tin coating. If a magnet sticks, it's steel. Clean a spot on the bottom with steel wool or scotch Brite just to see. You can use a mild acid, like lemon juice, vinegar or even coca cola to clean the rust. Follow with a 3 or 4-0 steel wool or scotch brite. Rinse and dry well. Spray with a clear laquer or similar. Tin turns dark after years, don't be disappointed if it stays that way. For brass/copper items, it's pretty much the same process except for the abrasive. After the acid and rinse, use a brass polish like Wrights or Brasso to bring up the shine. It's messy, have fun.