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Can I use Naval Jelly on brass?

Author

Emily Ross

Published Jan 13, 2026

To do this, you apply Naval Jelly [affil. link to info/product on Amazon] . to the brass with a brush. Let it sit on the brass for 5 to 10 minutes, and then scrub off with a toothbrush or a sponge.

What metals can you use Naval Jelly on?

The Loctite Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver is meant to be used on metal surfaces made of iron, steel or other ferrous materials. Using it on any other surface such as aluminum, chrome, stainless steel, other non-ferrous metals, porcelain, cement, fiberglass, marble, plastics, or painted surfaces will cause damage.

What liquid will clean brass?

Flour, Salt, and White Vinegar

Combine equal parts of all three ingredients to create a paste. Apply a thin layer of that paste to the tarnished brass and leave it for an hour before rinsing with warm water and drying.

Does Naval Jelly damage metal?

Naval jelly does this by converting rust to a soluble iron compound that you can rinse off with water. It's effective because its main ingredient is phosphoric acid, which is one of the few acids capable of doing this. Other stronger acids corrode the metal and end up creating more rust.

How do you clean naval brass?

Clean only with the direction of the grain, rather than against, when cleaning either of these metals. Use a lint-free cloth to clean the surface, then rinse the metal, and finally wipe dry with another clean, lint-free cloth.

32 related questions found

How do you remove green oxidation from brass?

Use a salt-and-vinegar mixture with one cup of white vinegar and one tablespoon salt. The mixture will create a paste that you can rub on your brass to remove the green coloring. After the green oxidation has been completely removed, you can rub a little olive oil on your brass to make it shine like new.

Does Naval Jelly remove rust from metal?

Loctite Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver is the original rust treatment formula that has been used for over 40 years. It removes rust from metal surfaces such as iron, steel, and other ferrous metals while also removing bluing from steel.

Does Naval Jelly dissolve rust?

It is the ideal product for heavily rusted items. Loctite naval jelly rust dissolver will remove the rust right before your eyes. Simply brush on, watch loctite naval jelly dissolve the rust, and rinse off. Your rusted items will look like new in no time!

Can you use Naval Jelly on galvanized metal?

Naval jelly can also be used to thoroughly clean iron or steel before applying paint as well as a paint preparation treatment for galvanized surfaces. The naval jelly should be applied with a paint brush or roller and left to treat the surface for up to 20 minutes.

What is the fastest way to clean brass?

Mix together 1/2 cup of vinegar, a teaspoon of salt, and a sprinkling of flour until it forms a paste. Spread the mixture on the brass and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Rinse with cool water and dry. (This method also works on corroded brass.)

How do I make brass shine like gold?

All you need to do is coat the gold and brass lamp with a layer of WD-40, which is a great to clean brass and let it sit for about 15-30 minutes. Take a clean cloth and rub the lamp in circular motions drying and buffing it up. It will clean and polish brass and gold lamp and will make it shine bright as good as new.

What is the best home remedy to clean brass?

Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in 1/2 cup vinegar and add enough flour to make a paste. Rub onto the brass and leave for 10 minutes, then rinse and buff dry.

What happens if you leave Naval Jelly on too long?

Since naval jelly is corrosive, if it is left on for a day or longer before it is removed, it will etch the surface, creating a rougher texture that will make paint easier to apply.

How do you neutralize Naval Jelly?

Neutralize the Naval Jelly with soda ash or lime. Naval Jelly uses phosphoric acid to strip rust from metal. Soda ash and lime are both "base" compounds, which neutralize acids. Both soda ash and lime can be found in garden shops, where they're sold for use in gardening.

How long can you leave Naval Jelly on?

Caution: Wipe off painted surfaces immediately, Naval Jelly® Rust Dissolver will remove paint. The rust dissolver should not remain on a surface for more than 15 minutes. Rinse off with fresh water.

Can you use Naval Jelly on porcelain?

A product called Naval Jelly (active ingredient: phosphoric acid) is excellent for removing rust from metals, and works just as well at removing these metal stains from your porcelain.

What is the best rust remover for metal?

The best rust remover

  • The best overall: Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover.
  • The best on a budget: Whink Rust Remover.
  • The best multipurpose: WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak.
  • The best for household: Iron Out Spray Rust Stain Remover.
  • The best for heavy duty: Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer.

Does Naval Jelly really work?

Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver is a very popular and effective product manufactured by the Loctite Corporation. It is used to remove rust from various metal objects within a few minutes. It is extremely easy to use and can be found at most hardware stores or home improvement centers.

What is the active ingredient in Naval Jelly?

Naval Jelly contains Water (65-70%), acid phosphoric acid (25-30%) and acid sulfuric acid (1-3%) in a gel matrix composed of a thixotropic polysaccharide (1-3%), alcohol isopropanol (1-3%), Surfactant (1-3%) and Silica (0.1-1%).

How do you polish brass to a mirror finish?

I start wet sanding with 1200 grit wet/dry paper in water with a dash of dish soap for lubrication. This step may take some time, patience is key in finishing brass to a mirror finish! Continue sanding until the entire part is filled with small scratches left by the sandpaper.

Can I use sandpaper on brass?

Sandpaper is probably one of the most important tools you can have in your workshop. It can be used to refinish furniture, brighten old brass, smooth your project made of wood, remove rust, and more.

Can I get scratches out of brass?

Clean your piece of brass well and buff it thoroughly. Then, take a bit of lacquer thinner or acetone on a soft cotton cloth and rub the scratch to remove the coating. If the scratch disappears, buff energetically and restore the protective coating.

What does oxidation on brass look like?

Oxidized brass is typically blackish, green or blue, and hardens like a thick crust over the surface of the brass. This coating typically flakes off and can be removed to reveal the shiny brass surface. Oxidation has no effect on the integrity of the brass the way corrosion does.