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How To Remove An Old Engraving From Brass

Engraving is the name given to a technique that is used to literally carve a design or a word into the surface of a metal, such as brass. If you have a brass object that has an engraving that you would like to remove (perhaps a mistake was made or you have acquired an item that has someone else’s name or initials carved into it), it is actually possible to remove it by following a few simple steps:

Step 1: Clean the area of the brass that has the engraving you would like to remove on it. Then use some masking or painter’s tape to cover all areas of the metal that you do not want to touch. Only the engraving that you want removed should be exposed.

Step 2: Take a 220 grit wet/dry sandpaper to sand away the offending or incorrect engraving. You will need to continue sanding at the metal until you can no longer see the etching.

Step 3: At this point, you will need to switch to a higher grit sandpaper; a 400 grit sheet will remove the marks created by the 220 grit, and so on until you have reached the 1200 grit and your brass is polished and smooth.

You are now free to have your brass item re-engraved with the word or design of your choice, or you can leave it smooth and blemish free. When sanding back your brass item, however, it is important to remember to wear a mask and goggles to protect your eyes and lungs from metal shards.