Tarnish on Brooks Copper Rivets :(

[Aesthete]

So I'm aware that this is a silly and maybe idiotic concern, but still I'm curious--why is the brand new Brooks saddle I just got in the mail tarnished, and what can I use to polish the random blackened rivets without damaging the leather? I've never seen this problem on any other Brooks saddle, old or new. Scratching with my nail removes barely any of the blackness, and rubbing with a dry cloth is useless. Google hasn't helped me either.

The saddle is going onto a vintage Peugeot road bike that's a decade older than I am, so in a way this faux-aged aesthetic could work, but seeing as how I spent more on the saddle than on the bike, I'd like to see it shine!

Any help would be appreciated. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v344/cerveau/Photo115.jpg

[aicabsolut]

Something like Brasso will work.

[Zen]

It's not tarnish, it's patina:)

[Owlie]

Plain white vinegar should at least get the tarnish off, though I'd try diluting it at first so as not to risk damaging the leather.

[redrhodie]

Tarnex or Haggerty's Silver Foam. You only need a litte, then wipe off. If you're really worried about the leather, use a little painter's masking tape to protect it.

[Presto]

It's not tarnish, it's patina:)

It's copper, it lasts "forever" during use without corroding. Think of all those copper domes on cathedrals, copper roofs, copper pipes, copper rivets on old Levis.

It does develop a patina, which to a certain extent protects the metal underneath. That's what it's supposed to do, and how it's supposed to look.

Your saddle is beautiful and perfect!

[TrekTheKaty]

Which model is this? Some are made to look "vintage". Did you call Brooks? I'm sure they would be happy to help, if this is a flaw/or can be cleaned.

[Trek420]

Something like Brasso will work.

Wouldn't riding itself polish it?

[redrhodie]

Wouldn't riding itself polish it?

Only if she wore her sandpaper shorts :p

[Brooks fan]

I just had the same problem on my B17 special. I hear all those comments about the patina, but I chose a black saddle with copper rivets because I loved the contrast.

Luckily I remembered an old tip from QI - HP (brown) Sauce. Just tried it and it works. I used a tiny amount to avoid getting any on the leather which I've just proofided, the couple of rivets I just did look as fresh as new! Sorry if this is a Brit recommending a Brit condiment as advised on a Brit TV show - but they're Brit saddles after all!

Good luck with it.

[pll]

Copper rusts... At my home, copper things are cleaned with half a lime, dipped in salt (the salt scrubs, I guess). The common element in several of the solutions suggested is some acidity: vinegar, brown sauce. You can also use muriatic acid and other things.

[marni]

maybe you can learn to think of it as "character"? I don't have age spots or freckels, my skin has lots of character. ;)