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By Mary Beth Breckinridge
Beacon Journal home writer
Published on Saturday, Aug 02, 2008
Q: I have a brass lamp that's about 50 years old. I tried cleaning it with Brasso. It usually comes out beautifully, but this time it was left with round, dark brown spots that won't come off. What's wrong?
— Jeanette Zalob, Akron
A: Ken Raycher, owner of K&J Metal Refinishing in Eastlake, said it's hard to diagnose the problem without seeing the lamp. However, he offered a couple of possibilities:
If the lamp is solid brass, you may have broken through the lacquer coating in some places. If so, he suggested continuing to use Brasso until you've removed the remaining lacquer and the finish is uniform again, or applying a spray stripper, polishing the metal until it's bright and then applying a clear-coat spray. Those products are available at home centers, he said. Be careful not to get any on the wiring.
If the spots have a copper or silver color, Raycher said, the lamp is probably plated. In that case, the lamp will need to be professionally stripped and replated and a lacquer coat applied. Plated brass should be cleaned only with a soft cloth and mild soap, since products with ammonia (including Brasso) will break down lacquer.
Have a question about home maintenance, decorating or gardening? Akron Beacon Journal home writer Mary Beth Breckenridge will find answers for the queries that are chosen to appear in the paper. To submit a question, call her at 330-996-3756, or send e-mail to mbrecken@thebeaconjournal.com.
Get the full article here.
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