FAQ

Each year, artist Tim Weberding of Batesville, IN designs a new laser-cut wooden handbell ornament, exclusively made for Handbell Services, Inc., released in limited quantities each fall. The series began in 2016 and is a favorite among handbell directors and collectors. Each ornament includes a removable laser-cut wooden tag with the current year — a lovely detail that marks the year it was purchased. Editions 1–10 are available now, with Edition 11 arriving in late summer 2026. Browse the full series in our Ornaments collection.

This comprehensive guide covers 31 sections across five parts — from anatomy and technique to exercises and body care. Includes over 100 illustrations.

Shop: Healthy Ringing® for Handbells and Handchimes →

Bronze handbell castings require two types of care to keep them looking their best. Over time, tarnish builds up and castings take on a brassy, yellowish color — a deep clean restores their true bronze color and brilliant shine. Regular maintenance after each use then preserves that shine between deep cleanings.

Deep Cleaning — Polishing Bronze Castings

What is the best product for deep cleaning bronze handbell castings?

Blue Magic Polishing Cream is the most effective product for deep cleaning bronze handbell castings. Its non-abrasive formula chemically lifts tarnish without scratching, restoring the bell's true bronze color and brilliant shine. It also leaves a silicone protective coating to slow future oxidation. Use once or twice a year, or whenever significant tarnish buildup is visible.

Why do you carry Blue Magic in a tube instead of a can?

The tube gives you much better control — a small dab is all you need. With an open can, repeated cloth dipping can introduce lint or debris into the product over time, and the open container releases more ammoniacal odor into the room. A securely closed tube stores well and will last a long time. For group polishing sessions, having a tube at each table keeps things moving smoothly and mess-free.

What metals can Blue Magic be used on?

Bronze, brass, chrome, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, gold, silver, fiberglass, and plexiglass. Not recommended for pewter, or any surface finished with lacquer, electroplating, or a protective coating. The polish may cloud or wear down the finish. When in doubt, test on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Can I use Blue Magic on coated or lacquered brass?

No — Blue Magic is intended for bare, uncoated metal only. Using it on coated or lacquered surfaces may damage or cloud the finish.

Is Blue Magic safe to use indoors?

It has a strong ammoniacal odor, so always use it near an open window or in a well-ventilated space.

Why do you recommend wearing gloves when polishing?

Blue Magic contains chemicals, including diethanolamine, that can penetrate the skin and cause irritation with prolonged contact. Gloves provide a simple barrier to protect your hands. Always wash hands thoroughly after use.

Can I wash polish-soaked rags in my home washing machine?

We strongly recommend against it. Polish-soaked cotton rags can gunk up your washing machine and make it very difficult to clean. More importantly, never add bleach (such as Clorox) to the wash — the combination of bleach and metal polish residue can create a dangerous chemical reaction and potential fire hazard. Your best options are to use disposable rags, or take heavily soiled rags to a laundromat.

Routine Maintenance — After Every Rehearsal & Performance (Hopefully)

What should I use to maintain my bells between deep cleanings?

After each rehearsal, performance, or worship service, a quick wipe with a Sunshine Cloth removes fingermarks and smudges and keeps light tarnish from building up — preserving that freshly polished shine between deep cleanings.

What is a Sunshine Cloth?

Sunshine Cloths are soft polishing cloths with a special non-scratch micro-abrasive. They effectively clean and shine metals without leaving a residue — and leave no powder red rouge residue, making them easy to use even on the inside of a bell's casting.

When should I replace my Sunshine Cloth?

Replace the cloth when it no longer effectively removes normal smudges or becomes saturated.

Can Sunshine Cloths clean other metals?

Yes — they also effectively clean non-coated sterling silver, copper, and brass.

Is the Sunshine Cloth washable?

No, Sunshine Cloths are not washable.

Are Sunshine Cloths available in a larger size?

No. Sunshine Cloths are made primarily for the jewelry industry and are precut for smaller, detailed work. They are not available in a larger size.

Are Sunshine Cloths available in bulk?

Yes — Sunshine Cloths are also available in a Dirty Dozen 12-pack.

Do I need to wear gloves when using a Sunshine Cloth?

Chemicals, including diethanolamine, are included in this product. Wearing protective gloves can significantly reduce skin contact with these chemicals. Always wash your hands thoroughly after use.

What are the benefits of using a table pad?

• Unmatched protection: Absorbs impact and vibrations to prevent damage to your handbells and chimes.
• Perfect fit: Choose from various sizes (24 in. × 24 in. to 48 in. × 30 in.) to fit your table.
• Right thickness:
  • 2-inch for handchimes
  • 3-inch for 2–3 octaves of handbells (recommended)
  • 4-inch for 4–6 octaves of handbells (maximum protection & better posture)
• Pre-cut pads: Save time and money with ready-made sizes. Custom cuts are also available!
• Space-saving shipping: Vacuum-packed for reduced shipping costs.

How do I choose a table pad?

• Measure your table: Standard lengths are 6 ft. or 8 ft., with widths of 24 in. or 30 in.
• Consider your instruments: Choose pad thickness based on the number of handbells or chimes you have (see above).
• Playing techniques: Use at least a 3 in. pad for "stopped table" techniques.

Density and ILD

Foam density is the mass of a foam's material, often expressed as pounds per cubic foot. Density is connected to the quality and durability of a given foam. Whereas ILD (indentation load deflection), or IFD (indentation force deflection), measures the firmness of a foam. It refers to the number of pounds of pressure or force that is needed to compress/indent 4" thick foam by 25%. The higher the ILD, the firmer the foam. Thickness affects how firm a foam feels. The thinner the foam, the easier it is to compress; the thicker the foam, the harder it is to compress.

How are the foam pads packaged and shipped?

Our foam pads ship compressed — a space-saving method that significantly reduces shipping costs. Once unpacked, the foam expands to its full size on its own. The photos below show exactly what to expect:

Receive: Foam arrives from Handbell Services.

Unbox: Outer package is opened and removed.

Unwrap: Protective shrink wrap is snipped and peeled away.

Expand: Foam immediately begins to draw in air.

Shape: Creases relax as foam continues to expand.

Ready: Foam has returned to actual size.