Polishing slate clock cases
The British Horological Institute has archived and edited the following from e-mails sent to the Clock/Clockers mailing lists on the Internet. The information here does not necessarily indicate a method approved by the BHI, we are only publishing this digest so that others can decide for themselves whether the methods listed below will suit them.
From:
John Locke, Tony Harrison-Smith
Method 1.
Use raw linseed oil and apply it to the case with a piece of kitchen paper towel as if the oil was furniture polish and just let it soak in (a light machine oil is almost as good). After a week or so, I polish the case with a dry cloth.
Method 2
Use a black shoe polish. Apply onto the case and then leave for 24 hours to soak in and then polish the case. This does not remove all the staining but it does improve the look of the case.
Method 3
You can buy a slate polish from some clock spares companies. This stains the clock to remove any unsightly marks. You then polish the case with a soft dry cloth.
