How can I clean a large antique solid brass lamp to restore the shine?
This lamp had a finish over the lamp to make it look antique in color, I want a shine finish. I started to use a product that was a paste, but it will take me forever to polish, the lamp has many small parts also. The lamps were bought in 1975 from Ethan Allen.
This is cheap and you probably have some.
Anything that contains a natural acid, such as vinegar, Tobasco Sauce, ketchup, tomatoes, milk, and lemon or lime juice, will remove tarnish. The tarnish washes away with an acid rub or soak. You might have to remove the lacquer cover if the brass is new. Do this by submerging the brass in boiling water with a few teaspoons each baking soda and washing soda (available in the laundry section of the supermarket). Once the lacquer has peeled off, polish dry.
brass polish
References :
The lamp is probably lacquered, which prevents it from tarnishing. Until you remove the laquer, you cannot remove the antiquing and get to the shiny part. Use a methylene chloride based paint and laquer stripper to remove the old finish (Caution–nasty stuff!! Use outside if at all possible), then polish the brass with any commercial metal polish such as Brasso or Maas. Brass tends to oxidize (tarnish) quickly, so you may want to coat it with a new lacquer spray finish. Use several light coats so you don’t get any drips or runs. Then enjoy your "new" lamp.
References :
This is cheap and you probably have some.
Anything that contains a natural acid, such as vinegar, Tobasco Sauce, ketchup, tomatoes, milk, and lemon or lime juice, will remove tarnish. The tarnish washes away with an acid rub or soak. You might have to remove the lacquer cover if the brass is new. Do this by submerging the brass in boiling water with a few teaspoons each baking soda and washing soda (available in the laundry section of the supermarket). Once the lacquer has peeled off, polish dry.
References :