Combine 1 tbsp. of baking soda with 1 quart of water in a saucepan. Increase this ratio until you have enough solution to cover the brass completely.
Bring the baking soda solution to a full boil on the stove top. Place the brass into the boiling water to cover it completely. Allow it to boil for 10 to 15 minutes until the lacquer peels off the brass.
Remove the brass from the boiling water with tongs. Carefully rinse the brass off with hot water to prevent burning your hands.
Soak a cotton ball with acetone. Rub the cotton ball on the brass to remove any remaining lacquer.
Rinse the brass under warm water. Dry it with paper towels.
Soak a washcloth with rubbing alcohol. Remove the excess alcohol from the washcloth so that it remains damp.
Rub the washcloth over the brass to remove the lacquer.
Rinse the brass under warm water to wash away the peeled lacquer. Dry the brass off with paper towels.