Staining on ultrasonic cleaned brass

[timelinex]

I've been ultrasonic cleaning my brass and I'm concerned about the staining. My first batches were done using 50% vinegar/50%water followed by baking soda followed by water and finally rinsed with nano-pure water(more pure than distilled water).

Now I use a different method that I read about on here. I use citrinox formulation with water. then follow that with the nanopure water. They dry outside , here in the phoenix sun. They are usually undergoing ultrasonic cleaning anywhere from 40-60 minutes.

What has me concerned is that after they are all dried, they look like this:

As you can see, the color of the brass is slightly different and there is minimal to major staining on them. I used a batch this last weekend and everything was fine, but I just want to find out if anyone knows if this is normal and just superficial, or if the brass is being comprimised.

 

[sic65stang]

Re: Staining on ultrasonic cleaned brass

I believe that is plating from something other than brass in your ultrasonic. Happened to me before and thats the conclusion I came to. Did you do them with the primer in? Is there anything other than the brass in the ultrasonic? Maybe even the basket you place them in? IDK, just a thought.

 

[timelinex]

Re: Staining on ultrasonic cleaned brass

So, if its from something else then it shouldn't matter correct? It won't actually comprimse the strength of the brass.

I can't think of what it can be. the basket is just plastic and the ultrasonic cleaner is lined with the chrome metal. The only other thing the brass touches is the paper towel it dries on.

 

[wilecoyote]

Re: Staining on ultrasonic cleaned brass

white vinegar deoxidize the brass,but if the brass stay too much in vinegar,can be eroded and stained again, therefore some friends add salt to the vinegar,and says the brass don't come out stained,neither stains after this treatment_ personally I deprime the brass,throw in the pure white vinegar for less than a day,rinse with hot water and trow the same brass in dish soap and hot water_using a dremel,or a 12volts equivalent,and surgical gloves,I clean the insides with a rotating brass brush ,keeping the case halfway submerged_rinse agai with hot water,and blow with compressed air_ If really I want shining brass,after that place them on a lee caseholder,with the caseholder hex in a electric screwdriver,
and make a pass with some polish and a rag_ I have tried tumbler and electronic cleaner,but I never have been able to obtain decent results with them_ (I have even forgotten some norma cases in vinegar fron six months,discovering them without the necks, unmercyfully eroded from the vinegar)_ I hope something of that can be useful for you_

 

[Bob 964]

Re: Staining on ultrasonic cleaned brass

Have you tried the baking soda and water cycle after the citranox and water cycle and before the nano-pure water cycle? Otherwise you have to rely solely on the nano-pure water to neutralize the acid in the citranox.

 

[sic65stang]

Re: Staining on ultrasonic cleaned brass

I only use my ultrasonic to clean the inside of the case. Of course it cleans the outside as well. After I ultrasonic my cases they go right into a vibratory cleaner. I get the best results with Nufinish and lizard pet bedding from the pet shop in the vibrating tumbler. I cant remember what the pet bedding is made of, but wow it makes a difference!

 

[thespecialist]

Re: Staining on ultrasonic cleaned brass

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Robert Murphy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I only use my ultrasonic to clean the inside of the case. Of course it cleans the outside as well. After I ultrasonic my cases they go right into a vibratory cleaner. I get the best results with Nufinish and lizard pet bedding from the pet shop in the vibrating tumbler. I cant remember what the pet bedding is made of, but wow it makes a difference!
</div></div>

Same here, except I use the corncob bird cage litter. The lizzard bedding is crushed English walnut shells. The corncob will dry the cases pretty quick as well if you're in a hurry. I let the cases air dry for about an hour, then throw them in the tumbler for a little while to polish and finish drying.