Esteemed Galooterati!

The Archives provided great information about cleaning brass. I'm 
cleaning brass house numbers that mount on a plague.

I first tried ketchup and was amazed at how much gunk it removed after 
sitting for an hour or two.  It didn't get it clean enough so I put 
tomato paste on it overnight.  This cleaned some more gunk but left a 
reddish tint that wouldn't wash off; so I reached for the brasso and an 
old toothbrush.  I think I'm getting close to where I want to be but the 
edges still have a lot of tarnish that is going to require that 
difficult compound . . .  elbow grease.

When I get them cleaned to 'good enough', I think they will still need 
polishing.  After getting some shiny back, what would you recommend as a 
finish preserving coat.  I'm thinking an over-spray with clear lacquer 
is called for, but I read some negatives about using lacquer.  This is 
not something I'm likely ever to do again.  They have been up for at 
least 25 years.  If my rehab lasts that long I'll be long planted.

Thanks for any input.

Bob Hutchins
Temple, TX (a Southwestern US State, Jeff)