Download Article
Download Article
We're all about that brass. It's delightful both as a shiny golden surface, and as a distinguished antique with a brown or green patina. Whichever final result you want for your brass lamp, there are plenty of DIY methods to clean off the grime and reach the appearance you're dreaming off.
Steps
Question 2 of 7:
How do you remove old lacquer from brass?
-
Strip off the lacquer with a chemical solvent. In order of least to most intense, try a spray-on oven cleaner, a lacquer thinner, or a methylene chloride paint stripper. [2] X Research source (Other types of paint stripper may damage your brass.)
- Disassemble the lamp first to avoid damage to electrical components.
- Methylene chloride is quite caustic; use as a last resort and follow all safety information on the label. Excellent ventilation, gloves, eye protection, and clothing that covers skin are all important. [3] X Research source
-
Take stubborn lacquer to a professional. Since there are many types of lacquer and varnish, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. If ordinary solvents don't work, or if you have a valuable piece you are afraid of damaging, take your lamp to a professional antique restoration service.
Advertisement
Question 3 of 7:
How do you remove oxidation from brass?
-
Clean with soap or rubbing alcohol. First remove any dirt and oils from the surface using mild soap and water, or the gentle side of a scrubbing sponge dipped in isopropyl alcohol. [4] X Research source
-
Remove tarnish with store bought or DIY polish. You can use a commercial brass polish, or make an abrasive, slightly acidic paste out of ½ cup (120mL) vinegar, 1 tsp (5 mL) table salt, and just enough flour to form a paste. Rub it onto the brass with a soft cloth and let sit for a few minutes, then rinse in cool water and dry. [5] X Research source Repeat until the corrosion is removed to the level you desire.
- You can use ketchup or lemon juice instead of vinegar for the acid, and baking soda instead of salt for the abrasion. [6] X Research source The more abrasive material you use, the more corrosion will scrub off. Just don't combine vinegar and baking soda, no matter how often DIY blogs recommend it: all that fizz just means your two useful cleaners are turning into the much less helpful carbon dioxide and water. [7] X Research source
- Brass polishes can be very harsh, especially when sold as an automotive product. [8] X Research source If you want to be cautious, spread it fairly thinly onto a rag and let dry for 24 hours before applying it. [9] X Research source
-
Clean thoroughly and polish. Leaving acid on the brass can make it tarnish faster later. Wipe off all traces of DIY cleaners with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth. [10] X Research source Buff with another dry cloth or another thin application of brass polish if you want a shiny finish.
- Commercial polishes containing ammonia will also speed up tarnishing. However, many polishes also leave a protective film on the surface to make up for this. [11] X Research source
Advertisement
Question 4 of 7:
How do you clean old brass without removing the patina?
-
Use soapy water or rubbing alcohol for household lamps. Dip a cloth or a gentle scrubbing sponge in mild soap and water, or in isopropyl alcohol — avoid abrasive cloths or brushes to avoid scratching the piece. Wipe the brass clean to remove surface dirt and oil. This will not remove the patina from oxidation unless the brass is in extremely rough shape.
- If the brass piece still looks dirty afterward, this could be due to uneven oxidation. You may need to remove some of the patina with a gentle polisher, such as a jeweller's cloth.
-
Use brushes and cotton swabs for valuable or heavily corroded items. This is overkill for most DIY projects, but if the lamp is worth more than your car, go the full museum conservator route. Brush away dirt with a dry toothbrush, then get into the crannies with an artist's oil painting brush. Remove grease and stubborn dirt with a cotton swab or Q-tip dipped in a few drops of mild detergent. [12] X Research source
- Hog bristle or other natural bristles are recommended for the brush.
- Wear cotton gloves while handling valuable metal objects.
- Any grime that you can't remove may need more specialized substances that are hard for ordinary consumers to access, such as methanol. [13] X Research source
Advertisement
Question 5 of 7:
How do you polish brass while protecting the patina?
-
Wipe delicate pieces with cotton, cloth, or a plastic eraser. The gentlest option is a cotton swab or a lint-free cloth. A PVC pencil eraser is a bit more effective at removing grime, and is safe to use on all but the most damaged and heavily corroded brass. [14] X Research source Rub one of these tools over the brass to remove dirt and oil from the surface.
- Minimize the amount of fingerprints on the lamp as you work.
-
Buff with a slightly abrasive tool for more polish. More abrasive tools create a better polish, but they also come with some risk of removing the patina. The following options, listed roughly in order from most to least gentle, are all still pretty mild. Start with a less conspicuous corner of the lamp to test the result, buffing in rapid but gentle circles to create a smooth, polished surface.
Advertisement
Question 6 of 7:
How do you polish brass to a mirror finish?
-
Use a buffing wheel for fast results. Attach a stiff buff to a bench grinder or an electric drill. Apply a small amount of Tripoli rouge or another buffing compound rated for brass to the bottom of the wheel. Polish each component of the lamp by holding it against the base of the wheel and moving it around until you get an even finish. [19] X Research source
- Always wear eye protection when using a buffing wheel.
- For best results, repeat with new buffs and buffing compounds of ever finer abrasion, such as jeweller's rouge then blue rouge. [20] X Research source
-
Sand in stages from low to high grit. If you don't have a buffing wheel, use wet sandpaper or abrasive pads instead. Start with a low grit tool (no more than 600-grit) and sand lightly in straight lines back and forth, wetting the brass often to lubricate. [21] X Research source Once the major scratch marks and tarnish are removed and the surface looks even, repeat with successively higher grits (for example, 1000, then 1500, then 2000). The longer you continue and the higher grit you end up with, the more polished the brass will be. [22] X Research source
- Sandpaper creates a more even surface, while abrasive pads remove less material but smooth out imperfections rather than removing them entirely. [23] X Research source
- If using sandpaper, make sure it is designed for wet sanding and soak it in water first—preferably overnight, but for a minimum of 15 minutes. [24] X Research source Foam-backed sandpaper is easier to use against the irregular shapes and curves of the lamp. [25] X Research source
-
Finish with a brass polish. For an even shinier surface after sanding, rub brass polish over the lamp with a paper towel. Add more polish as needed, and wipe it away as it builds up and turns black. Switch to a lint-free cloth for the final polish, rubbing until no scratches are visible. [26] X Research source
- This is not necessary if you used a buffing wheel.
Advertisement
Question 7 of 7:
How do I protect the lamp from further corrosion?
-
Protective wax has the least effect on appearance. Use a bleached microcrystalline wax (such as Renaissance wax) for best results. Gently wipe the wax onto the lamp with a soft cloth and buff for a few minutes. Repeat with a second coat after one hour, and optionally with a third coat after another 30 minutes. [27] X Research source
- For museum-quality restoration, mix the wax first with an equal amount of a Stoddard solvent product, such as Varsol. Let sit until the liquid evaporates before buffing. This makes it easier to get the wax into every cranny, but it isn't necessary for pieces meant for home use. [28] X Research source
- If you can't find microcrystalline wax, use beeswax or any natural wax. Synthetic waxes are more difficult to remove, making later treatment harder. [29] X Research source
-
Lacquer is more difficult to use and will change the appearance. Brush on the lacquer as thinly and evenly as possible, covering every surface exposed to air. Use a spray-on lacquer if the lamp has many nooks and crannies that are difficult to coat evenly. [30] X Research source Do not touch the lamp until the lacquer is completely dry, according to the time estimate on the product label.
- Lacquer is harder to remove than wax. [31] X Research source Test a small area first if you're not sure whether you'll like the appearance.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
Tips
- Metal that was found buried underground is usually extremely corroded, and may need a professional conservator to repair it without damaging it. [32] X Research sourceThanks
- Protective wax can interfere with cleaning and polishing down the line, but it's easy to remove. Just wipe it off with odourless mineral spirits. Do this somewhere with good ventilation and avoid skin contact with the spirits. [33] X Research sourceThanks
- Disassemble the lamp first before washing or sanding with water, to avoid getting electrical components wet.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Rewiring antique light fixtures is not recommended for amateurs unless it is a simple single wire and socket. A professional antique repair shop can test the wiring for safety and replace missing parts appropriately.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-brass
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home-garden/how-to-restoring-the-finish-on-a-brass-door-lock-replacing-old-window-panes/2011/08/24/gIQAucqGsJ_story.html
- ↑ https://www.acplasticsinc.com/media/documents/MSDS_MethyleneChloride.pdf
- ↑ https://www.frenchranges.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BrassCleaningRepair.pdf
- ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/cleaning/g28483397/how-to-clean-brass/
- ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-clean-brass
- ↑ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/foamy-white-snow/
- ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care--brass-copper.html
- ↑ https://www.frenchranges.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BrassCleaningRepair.pdf
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319313759_A_Practical_Guide_to_the_Care_and_Conservation_of_Metals
- ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care--brass-copper.html
- ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care--brass-copper.html
- ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care--brass-copper.html
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319313759_A_Practical_Guide_to_the_Care_and_Conservation_of_Metals
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319313759_A_Practical_Guide_to_the_Care_and_Conservation_of_Metals
- ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care--brass-copper.html
- ↑ https://www.frenchranges.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BrassCleaningRepair.pdf
- ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care--brass-copper.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA4VbFvr3gc?t=50
- ↑ http://whiteglovefans.com/blog/2013/9/30/how-to-professionally-polish-brass
- ↑ https://makezine.com/2016/05/10/wet-sanding-gives-your-projects-a-scratch-free-finish/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EaG_bIH0tc?t=144
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EaG_bIH0tc?t=178
- ↑ https://makezine.com/2016/05/10/wet-sanding-gives-your-projects-a-scratch-free-finish/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EaG_bIH0tc?t=101
- ↑ https://youtu.be/6EaG_bIH0tc?t=281
- ↑ https://www.kremer-pigmente.com/elements/resources/products/files/62900_Renaissance_Wax_on_Metals_Application_Techniques_2016.pdf
- ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care--brass-copper.html
- ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care--brass-copper.html
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319313759_A_Practical_Guide_to_the_Care_and_Conservation_of_Metals
- ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care--brass-copper.html
- ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319313759_A_Practical_Guide_to_the_Care_and_Conservation_of_Metals
- ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/care--brass-copper.html
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 26,207 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Great detail and useful tips. Learned some new things while reading, thank you."
Advertisement