Copper cleaning???? How do I clean a copper coal scuttle for show purposes?

Question

Thanks for all your answers so far, I am going to allow the voters to pick a winner because I feel that all of you have given me a decent answer, from the Brasso to the salt and lemon to the brown sauce....Thank you all!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Metal polish,And elbow grease.

Answer 2

Brasso and a clean, lint free cloth

Answer 3

well if you dip a old penny in salt (lots of salt) and vinegar, let it set for a while, it comes out looking like the new penny.  u can try that?

Answer 4

I would buy a commercial copper cleaner and use that.  I like the brand "Twinkle", which I got at the local supermarket.

Answer 5

A bottle of Brown Sauce,smear the sauce

all over the bucket and leave for two hours

or more,wipe clean then wash,this will fetch

the shine back.Cleans things like coins also.

Try it.

Answer 6

I have copper bottomed pots and they always sparkle.  An acid will remove a small amount of the copper and that's where you get the shine from.   Do you use lemon or lime in your tea?  Instant shiner there.  Wet the copper, working a small area at a time, 'cause this sounds like it may be a big item.  Sprinkle the area with salt, then use the 1/2 lime or lemon for a scrubber.  The salt provides the abrasive and activates the citric acid in the fruit.  A grapefruit will work also, and since you are using leftovers, no cost!  You want to leave out rough scrubbers as they may leave a scuffed area.  If you have access to a buffing wheel and jewelers rouge polish, give it a high shine with those, but be very careful not to over buff.  It is very possible the copper is a thin veneer and not solid, and could be removed, bareing the base metal, and also, the copper may dent.  You can also do the same with a soft flannel cloth like the one you buff your shoes to a shine with.  Just keep rubbing until the shine is even.  Clean off the rouge. Be very careful where you touch it, as the acids and oils in the skin will leave a mark.  Best to wear cotton gloves at this point, or only touch it with a cloth.  Then spray with lacquer to keep it protected, if the rules of the show allow.  You can test the shine level and effect of the lacquer on the bottom of the piece.  Hope you win first prize!

Answer 7

Yeah, Brasso.

Answer 8

toothpaste will do the job