[Drew]

I'm trying to remove a white powdery film on a brass escutcheon. I want it to be a rich brown color not bright. Tried vinegar and salt - didn't work. Any ideas ?

[TonyJSenior]

I recently read something similar where the part was cleaned with Brasso and then covered with either toning lacquer or a mixture of stain and polurethane to tone down the 'brightness' of the piece. I'll try and find the info and post it here.

[Ron Ramirez]

If you have to rub the escutcheon to the point that bright brass is revealed to get rid of the white, you can then spray the escutcheon with Extra Dark Walnut or Van Dyke Brown toning lacquer to restore the look of the patina, then polish out the high spots so that only they show through. Finish with clear lacquer to preserve the look. The escutcheons for Models 14, 17, 18, 19, 22L, 23X, 89 and 91 look very well when treated in this fashion.