Best way to clean sideplate brass?

[greggholmes]

semi-chrome is the best in the world, it puts brasso to shame.

 

[bpd303]

I use IOSSO GunBrite looks & smells like semi-chrome and works well.

 

[MSW]

You can also apply some Renaissance Wax to any brass fittings to help keep them from tarnishing a bit longer. Wax will, of course, eventually wear off.

+1 !!

the stuff is kind of spendy, but a can will last a really long time, will protect all manner of things (not just metal, too - RTFI) and is easy to use.

Brasso, by the way, has ammonia in it, so if you're going to use any product after you shine the brass with Brasso, you have to completely remove all traces of Brasso, or whatever you use afterwards will become trapped in there and you'll have problems. (I had this VERY THOROUGHLY explained to me by a Drill Instructor.) I prefer Simichrome over Brasso, but both will do an excellent job if you want a mirror finish.

 

[CaptainKirk]

Flitz.
Leaves a mirror finish with little work, also leaves a protective tarnish resistant coating that lasts for months.
Brasso will corrode if trapped in hidden areas.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Another vote for semi-chrome.

Do you mean "Simichrome Polish"?
Very fine product, I have used for many years. Can be found in antique shops.
However, for guns with engraving ANY polishing will eventually destroy the engraving. I have a fine rifle I have owned about 40 years and the brass has been polished only once for that reason.

 

[Slake]

My favorite is Five Star Brass and Metal polish from the fine folks at Zep. This stuff is a pink paste that comes in a big toothpaste like tube and is just great.

 

[Forty Rod]

Unless you plan to polish a LOT of brass, use the baking soda solutions and save your money.

I bought a new 4 oz can of Brasso when I left the corps in 1978 and still have about 1/3 of it left. It just seems to last forever.