Tips for Polishing Antique Brass Light Fixture

15 years ago

I'd appreciate any help you can give me on this matter. I bought a nice Victorian light fixture that I'd like to use in my foyer. It is an antique and, I know, some will state that it shouldn't be polished, but I just don't like the darkened and tarnished patina. I'd like to restore it to an "old brass" color--not shiny new brass by any means. The fixture is solid brass. Any tips on doing this? Also, once it is polished I'm confused about whether I should use a clear coat lacquer of some type to inhibit future tarnishing. Some web sites say yes, some no. Any thoughts--and if you recommend using lacquer, what kind should I look for? Thanks.

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awm03
15 years ago
I looked into this last spring when I was shopping for a used chandelier. I haven't tried this, mind you, but here's what I read: polish the chandelier to remove the tarnish; it will restore the brass to a shiny state; let the brass tarnish over a period of several weeks to desired patina; then wax the chandelier to retard further tarnishing. I suppose you could lacquer it too, but I think lacquer would be tricky to apply well.

Also, when you say "antique brass," do you mean the antique brass finish that's painted on or do you mean an old formerly shiny brass chandelier that's tarnished & dark?
Rudebekia
Original Author
15 years ago
awm, that sounds like a good plan--it makes sense. In terms of antique brass, I mean formerly shiny brass that is now tarnished and dark. The look I'm going for isn't the brand-new shiny brass, but an attractively "old brass" patina. Hard to explain, but the Rejuvenation website, for example, has as one of its finishing options "old brass." Anyway, the method you suggest--polishing, then letting it sit for awhile, should do it. Any idea what kind of wax to use? I'd certainly prefer to use a wax over a lacquer. I wonder if automobile wax would work. Thanks!
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I completely dismantled light fixtures, cleaned them really well, heated them in an oven (per instructions) and applied clear laquer. I found that they tarnished under the laquer. Tried it again with old brass switchplates with the same results. For the rest of the brass, including faucets, I do a lazy wipe with noxon brass cleaner when I'm inspired. I don't bother going for the crevases or working hard at it. I just hit the smooth, high parts. It removes the water spots and they look much better than the laquered brass. I make an effort to clean all the brass well each time I paint - not too often.
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Thanks for the responses. I could do a test in the future, right now the fixtures are in storage. Our contractor grossly under estimated our light fixture budget. All fixtures are supposed to be replaced (insurance) but there is no way we can do that on his budget, so I am trying to figure out how to save some of them and still have them work with the new colour-scheme, etc. I'm not even sure if they can be salvaged as water was pouring through them. I know he is required to eat the cost if he underestimated, but he has been really wonderful so far (fingers x'd) in trying to get us what we want within our budget (while still making money himself, of course). I'd rather be creative where I can rather than just insisting he take a hit on it. Graywings, thanks for the links. I have spray painted fixtures in less public rooms, but this would be in our kitchen and dining room, so I don't think I'd be happy with that option. I may just have to spend the summer searching for deals.
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I hope so! I am mixing different brass finishes throughout our home. For example- here's our lighting. and faucet- Door levers are an antique brass/bronze. Next up- cabinet hardware!
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cooperbailey
15 years ago
I took an antique restoration class ages ago, b.k.
The instructor recommended NeverDull for polishing brass, it is an impregnated wadding and does a great job. Comes in a tin and I have seen it at Home depot.Nothing to get caught in crevices like liquid polishes. I have used it on an antique set of candlelabras and it gives a good glow, nothing shiny. I am not familiar with protective finishes so I cant help there. I would imagine that is where the shiny comes into play.
awm03
15 years ago
Butcher's Wax should probably do the job.

Here is a link that might be useful: Butcher's wax
awm03
15 years ago
BTW, I saw in a magazine last spring a lovely room whose focal point was a giant antique brass chandelier. I've been noticing more & more antique brass chandies in the mags ever since. Must be a new trend! They are certainly beautiful.

Tips for Polishing Antique Brass Light Fixture

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Tips for Polishing Antique Brass Light Fixture

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Rudebekia
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