Lemi Shine vs. New Finish for Brass Tumbling: Which One Shines Brighter?
Choosing the right compound for tumbling brass is crucial for achieving a brilliant, consistent finish. Two popular contenders often top the list: Lemi Shine and New Finish. Both are effective, but they have distinct characteristics that make them better suited for different needs and preferences. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which is the right choice for your brass tumbling projects.
Understanding the Basics of Brass Tumbling
Before diving into the specifics of Lemi Shine and New Finish, let's briefly review the brass tumbling process. Brass tumbling involves cleaning and polishing brass casings or other brass items using a rotary tumbler filled with media (typically corncob, walnut, or plastic), water, and a cleaning compound. The tumbling action, combined with the abrasive media and cleaning agent, removes dirt, tarnish, and other imperfections, leaving behind a gleaming finish.
Lemi Shine: The Eco-Friendly Option
Lemi Shine is a popular choice among reloaders and hobbyists due to its readily available nature, eco-friendly composition, and relatively low cost. It's a citric acid-based cleaner, making it a safer alternative to some harsher chemicals.
Pros of Lemi Shine:
- Environmentally friendly: Its citric acid base is biodegradable and less harsh on the environment.
- Readily available: Easily found in most grocery stores and online retailers.
- Cost-effective: Generally less expensive than other brass cleaning compounds.
- Effective cleaning: Effectively removes dirt and tarnish from brass.
Cons of Lemi Shine:
- Can be less aggressive: May not be as effective as other compounds for heavily tarnished or dirty brass. Multiple tumbling cycles might be required for optimal results.
- Potentially slower cleaning: The cleaning process might take longer compared to stronger compounds.
New Finish: The Powerful Polish
New Finish is known for its powerful cleaning and polishing capabilities. This compound is often preferred by those who need to remove significant tarnish or oxidation from their brass.
Pros of New Finish:
- Aggressive cleaning: Effectively removes heavy tarnish and oxidation.
- Bright finish: Produces a very shiny and polished finish.
- Relatively fast cleaning: Often requires fewer tumbling cycles than Lemi Shine.
Cons of New Finish:
- Less eco-friendly: Contains stronger chemicals which may be less environmentally friendly than Lemi Shine.
- Availability: Might be slightly harder to find in some locations compared to Lemi Shine.
- Potentially more abrasive: While effective, its stronger formulation might be more abrasive than Lemi Shine, potentially leading to more wear and tear on the brass over repeated uses (although this is debated).
Head-to-Head Comparison: Lemi Shine vs. New Finish
| Feature | Lemi Shine | New Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Power | Moderate | High |
| Environmental Impact | Eco-friendly | Less Eco-Friendly |
| Cost | Low | Moderate |
| Availability | Widely available | More limited availability in some areas |
| Finish | Bright, but might require multiple cycles | Exceptionally bright, often requiring fewer cycles |
| Best For | Lightly tarnished brass, eco-conscious users | Heavily tarnished brass, users needing a quick, brilliant shine |
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Compound
The best choice between Lemi Shine and New Finish ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize an eco-friendly option and have lightly tarnished brass, Lemi Shine is a great choice. However, if you need to quickly clean heavily tarnished brass and achieve a mirror-like shine, New Finish may be the better option. Experimenting with both might be necessary to determine which compound yields the best results for your specific workflow and desired finish. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and effective brass tumbling.
