Cleaning a Brass Zipper

[J. M. Stovall]

I recently bought a vintage 30's Highwayman style jacket that needs a little TLC. I think I've found out pretty much everything I need to know about the leather, but the zipper is a little green and stiff and I want some advice on what to do. I've read about cleaning with a toothbrush and maybe putting wax on the zipper with the hairdryer. I also read that someone used a bike chain lubricant. Is there something else I'm missing?

Thanks in advance!

 

[BakingInPearls]

I would just clean off the zipper with warm soapy water and a tooth brush avoiding contact with the leather. After it is clean I have heard three methods that are suppose to help 1-run a graphite pencil over the zipper 2-run a candle over the zipper and 3-run a bar of soap over the zipper. I haven't tried any other them but have heard they are suppose to help. Good luck getting it to glide like new again!

 

[J. M. Stovall]

Thanks for the reply BIP! I think I'll try the least invasive procedure first and work my way up .

 

[Lady Day]

1-run a graphite pencil over the zipper

This one works great.

LD

 

[Alan Eardley]

You presumably need to remove the corrosion first I assume it is 'verdigis'. Neither graphite or wax will remove this if it is advanced, but they will lubricate the zip afterwards. Pecards antique leather dressing treats bot leather and zip, but keep it off the tape!

Try a mild acetic acid solution (vinegar). Try to keep it off the leather as a precaution, but it shouldn't do any damage.

Alan

 

[J. M. Stovall]

Great info Alan, I have the Pecards already, thanks!