How to polish a large sheet of brass?

I have 2 4'x6' sheets of what I think is brass that is badly tarnished. They've been behind our woodstove for years and badly need some attention. I tried Brasso and elbow grease. It works...somewhat. But I'll need a tanker full of Brasso, a truckload of rags and a lot more time and elbow grease than I have.

Any suggestions? I've looked online and have found a few that look effective for smaller items but nothing that I think will work well for what I need.

Anyone do this for a living and need a small job?

This is what the item looks like:

http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/t...psdca0gpui.jpg

flower and white vinegar paste

http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/20...-brass-polish/

Do you have an electric buffer to try instead of doing it by hand?

Mother Wheel Polish (Paste)
http://www.mothers.com/02_products/0...tml#&slider1=7

Can be done by hand but a buffer is much faster, it works on brass, copper and bronze too.

Most auto parts stores carry it, it's about $10.00 a tub and you'll probably only need one tub per sheet.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by redneck122

Do you have an electric buffer to try instead of doing it by hand?

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The problem seems to be the rag or pad gets totally saturated with the nasty stuff that's coming off and within just a few minutes loses any effectiveness. I'd have to constantly change pads on a polisher/buffer.

I looked at some of the home remedy methods like the flour/vinegar but I'm not sure how I'd mix up enough to cover 48 sq ft, then dispose of what was left.

I want an easy solution, dammit! Not something where I have to put effort into it.

[Coffee]

How deep are the scratches? That will determine your starting process.

And what kind of polish are you going for will determine your end finish.

It's broad I know, but any metal can be polished to a mirror.

Really no scratches to speak of. I just want it clean and presentable for showing the house.

Try some Simple Green.
The issue with polishing is unless it is kept constantly polished it looks like crapola.
A potential buyer may look at it as a a pain to keep up(which it would be).

If you're not set on a highly polished (mirror) finish, get some gray or white scotchbrite pads for a drill. quick, easy, and doesn't clog. White is the finest finish, should yield a bright matte finish.

Cement cleaner/acid soak, sit, the polish once the tarnish is off. Test the back so you know it works well before you soak the front.