How to Get Discoloration Off of a Lacquered Brass Lamp
Brass accessories come in all shapes and sizes from candy dishes to lamps to chandeliers. All brass needs some special attention once in a while since the varnish has a tendency to discolor. Do not put away your brass accessories forever just because of discoloration. You can remove that discoloration. There are several ways to clean up brass and make it look brand new. There are many different commercial cleaners on the market, but you can also products you have lying around the house and cost next to nothing. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Wear the plastic gloves when cleaning your lamps to protect you hands especially if you have sensitive skin. Work in a well-ventilated area.
-
2
Cover your work surface with several layers of newspaper to protect it from spills.
-
-
3
Pour some of the ammonia onto a rag. Do not use too much at a time. Make sure to not get any of the ammonia on any fabric or wiring parts if you are cleaning a lamp.
-
4
Wipe the brass with the rag. Rub hard to remove stubborn spots of discoloration in your brass.
-
5
Use a toothbrush dipped in the ammonia to reach into crevices or hard to reach places. Shake any excess ammonia off the toothbrush before touching it to the brass to eliminate and drips.
-
6
Make a paste of baking soda and water. Rub the paste, using a rag, all over the lamp to polish it and make the brass shiny. Rub the paste in a circular motion.
-
7
Remove the baking soda paste using a bowl of fresh, warm water and a clean rag. Be careful to remove all traces of the baking soda. Be careful not to touch the clean brass, as oils from your fingers will cause more discoloration.
-
8
Place the brass on a flat surface. Apply a varnish to your brass to protect it from future stains and discoloration. Use either a brush on varnish or a spray on varnish, depending on the type of brass accessory you have. Keep in mind, sprays provide a much smoother finish than does a brush on varnish.
-
9
Spray on one coat of varnish at a time and make sure the first coat is a thin layer. Spray on one or two more coats depending on how much handling your brass piece gets.
-
10
Allow the varnish to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.
-
1
