Cleaning copper habaki

[Mark S.]

I posted this habaki in the cat scratch thread. I love the patina of the old copper but it appears it is also quite dirty especially in the deeper crevices.  I do not want shiny!  Should I leave it be (does the ‘dark’ add character?) or can soap and a very soft brush (maybe a paint brush?) get rid of the dirt and leave the ‘been there’ patina?  Any other ways to clean up copper but not too much?

thanks

 

[roger dundas]

Now that is a good question and looking forward to the responses as well .

Roger j

[1kinko]

Well, of course Ford would be the best source for this information, but I’ll tell how I do it. It of course depends on what the grudge is composed of, and it’s probably a mixture of oils and proteins. Patinas are ruined by low pH, abrasion, or heat, so stay away from most inorganic chemicals. Basic grunge should be removed by simple detergents at low concentrations but full strength shouldn’t hurt. For organic oils, start with alcohol or acetone as the more water-soluble and move in to ethane, or turpentine for fattier oils. Proteins can be removed with papain used to tenderize meat, but be careful to read all the ingredients or buy pure papain. The deep crevasses in your habaki may require use of a soft toothbrush, but go slowly and softly and rinse and evaluate frequently. Brushing is most likely to erode the patina on the upper edges so vertical rotation of the bristles is safer than horizontal brushing. You might try all these techniques on the inside first. These chemicals can all be used on patinated menuki to remove old pitch from their interiors.

[b.hennick]

My first go to is foam soap used for children. It is gentle and has no additives. I also use an old soft clean toothbrush. Emphasis on clean as you do not want to use any abrasives. 

[Mark S.]

Before:

 

 

After: a soak in mild detergent, wash with microfiber cloth, some light scrubbing with very tiny modeling swabs, a little work with wood toothpicks, and rubbing with the 99% alcohol and the tiny swabs, I think it came out ok.  I really tried not to overdo and figured any dirt remaining needs to be there.  

 

[Spartancrest]

Could this fuchi be a match to your habaki? I realize the stacked stone pattern is not as deep.  https://www.jauce.com/auction/s1045753360