Any idea what this is?

[Kilroy]

I have now played 4 games in the last 2 weeks with my restored putter and it rolls the ball beautifully. However, I am somewhat concerned about a discoloration that is appearing on the insert.

This did not start until after the first game, but seems to be impossible to remove. One person said it’s oxidizing, but I have wiped it with the supplied cloth after each game, and on a clean towel after each use. I have not played in the rain so it’s not excess moisture.

I am wondering if anyone knows what it is and the best way to remove it. Is it safe or beneficial to use brasso or silver polish on it?

[jvincent]

Is that a copper insert? If so, it's probably just oxidation and will turn dark like a penny.

I'd be careful of chemical cleaners as they might affect the rest of the putter.

[Kilroy]

From Sarah at the Scotty shop:

Hi Dan, Yes Brasso is good to use on the insert however you cannot let any of it get on the putter because it will remove the finish. Just use it on the insert and please BE CAREFUL!

So the next question is how best to protect the putter head when polishing the face? Will masking tape be ok?

Would the elastnomer (white surrounding the face) be damaged by Brasso? It would be easier to do if the masking tape could run along it without worying about it.

[spackler]

It is definitely oxidation, those inserts get a dark patina over time. You can use metal polish if you want to keep it shiny (as long as it's not too abrasive), but be careful of the putter head.

[jonf]

I think the question is this: what do you value more, the shiny insert, or the beautiful finish on the rest of the putter head. If it was my putter, I would not risk it.

[Kilroy]

I dunno yet. Like my kids used to say "I'm just little!"

[Kilroy]

From Sarah:

Hi Dan,
Use a q tip and be diligent in applying if that's what you decide to do. FYI...The insert is designed to oxidize so it is not an issue however Brasso will restore the shine. If you decide to proceed with the Brasso we will not be responsible if it hits the finish. If you apply it with a q tip it shouldn't require taping off. It shouldn't affect the elastomer but I would make sure I got it on the insert only. I hope this information is helpful!!
Thanks

I must say she is awesome an customer service rep.

[atomic]

Hi Dan, The copper is oxidizing. I keep mine shiny by using my dremel a soft polishing attachment and metal polish (in winter after golf is done for the year). Scotty has been quoted numerous times saying that he prefers the patina that develops on his copper putters.

[Hacker]

I'd leave it alone because in my opinion no matter HOW careful you are, you will make a mistake at some point and possibly mess up that beautiful finish - just my 2 cents

[MusicMan]

yeah Dan happened to me too... you can use brasso if you want... i started a thread on TCC about that, ill find it for you... but its normal

EDIT:

http://www.cameroncollector.com/foru...html#msg279689

[natso]

Hey Dan
one thing we like to use on priceless, and precious things (like your putter)is
lemon juice and salt, pour salt on face of putter,squeeze lemon juice on top, then use half of a lemon as a scrubbing pad, add more salt if melted,scrub for about 30 seconds.
rinse with warm water, then cold water, wipe dry,and that should do it, Natso

[Kilroy]

Interesting. I wonder if that would be ok for the non-insert part of the head.

[MusicMan]

I'm no Chem. Scientist, but doesnt lemon juice corrode stuff? and putting it on something delecate such as a gun blue head that rusts very easily kinda wrong??

[Ginker]

The only thing I would be putting lemon juice on would be my fish and chips

Could work I am not really sure.

[John]

I would say just leave it, if it's supposed to oxidize over time then just let it be. I wouldn't risk harming a beautiful putter just to keep the face shiny.