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Vulcanite Bleaching Conundrum

Discussion in 'Maintenance & Restoration' started by SmokeyJoe, Feb 20, 2012.

  1. SmokeyJoe Shaken, not Stirred

    I have an oxidized stem with 2 different metals attached to it. Normally I would soak in 50/50 bleach before sanding and buffing, but I'm concerned about pitting the metal. The logo looks like brass, but the end piece may be aluminum or zinc? Anyone have a suggestion?
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    The pics don't portray the severity of the deep olive-green oxidation.
  2. Kiowapipe Custom Title!

    I've heard it said that you can cover up logos with vaseline to protect them in the bleach bath. Never done it myself. I've bleached a few stems with metal inlays before, though, and never had any problems with damaging them. Brass, though- I wonder if that might turn green. I guess my only advice would be to try vaseline over the brass. Otherwise there's the Moo route, get some micro-mesh and go to town, skipping bleach altogether.
    SmokeyJoe likes this.
  3. SmokeyJoe Shaken, not Stirred

    Thanks. I use the micro-mesh pads, but I find it's much less work when I bleach first.
  4. jhe888 Active Member

    I'd probably skip the bleach with a stem with a built in band like that. It will take more elbow grease, though, no doubt. I'd tape off the band, and work carefully around the logo inlay.
    Puff The Magic and SmokeyJoe like this.
  5. yinyang Some rim charring is to be expected.

    Sorry, Joe, but vaseline is all I'm aware of.

    I have wondered if a nail polish clear coat would withstand bleach(or stay chemically inert)? This would assume acetone would be safe to use too for after. Not suggesting it, just musing aloud.
    SmokeyJoe likes this.
  6. SmokeyJoe Shaken, not Stirred

    Perhaps Dwaugh will conduct an experiment for "The effects of acetone on vulcanite stems"
    dwaugh likes this.
  7. yinyang Some rim charring is to be expected.

    A five minute test, with a 552 page report to follow...oh, joy! Well, at least the next generation will know. :)
    dwaugh likes this.
  8. Arkie Well-Known Member

    I'm sure I'm missing something basic but I don't understand the benefit of using bleach. If the bleach etches the vulcanite and leaves a rough surface that has to be buffed, why not eliminate the bleach process and simply buff the oxidation off?
  9. DMWyatt Active Member

    IIRC Bleach is used because it also helps take away any ghosts left in the stem as well.
  10. Arkie Well-Known Member

    :dh2:
    If the bleach leaves a gritty texture to the outside of the stem it seems it would do the same to the inside. A rough surface would be more difficult to clean afterwards than a smooth, slick surface. I don't mean to sound argumentative - I just don't understand.
  11. Kiowapipe Custom Title!

    Bleach just seems to do a thorough job, and the post-bleach smoothing is less work than it would take to sand off the oxidation. Plus sometimes if you just sand, it'll look like you've got it all but still taste like sulfur and turn green quickly thereafter.

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