How to Polish Sleigh Bells
Many winter decorative items feature sleigh bells. Though the story "The Polar Express" recently highlighted sleigh bells, their use actually dates back to the Roman Empire. Some well-preserved sleigh bells are now valuable antiques. If you want to protect and preserve your sleigh bells, or if you just want them to be in good shape for this year's display, polish them so they will shine beautifully and ring clearly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic wrap
- Duct tape
- Towels
- Lacquer solvent or stripper
- Solvent gloves
- Protective eye gear
- Bowl
- Water
- Dish detergent
- Plastic abrasive sponge
- Tooth picks
- Cotton swabs or pipe cleaner
- Brass or silver polish
- Soft cloth
Instructions
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1
Remove your sleigh bells from the strap. If you cannot remove the bells, you may wish to cover the strap entirely with plastic wrap. Use duct tape to hold the plastic in place, but don't allow the sticky side of tape to touch the leather. During the cleaning process, you may wish to further protect leather straps that can't be detached with towels or other covers.
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2
Remove any lacquer or sealant, if there is any on the bell. Use a commercial solvent or lacquer stripper and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully. Work in a well-ventilated area, wear solvent gloves and protective eye gear, because strippers and solvents can emit toxic fumes and burn skin.
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3
Place the sleigh bells in a bowl of water mixed with a mild dish detergent and allow them to soak for an hour or two.
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4
Use a plastic abrasive scrubbing sponge to clean the outside of the bell, removing all dirt and debris. Use a toothpick to gently scrape away any debris embedded in creases or decorative engravings. Use cotton swabs, a toothpick or a pipe cleaner to clean the inside of the bell. Dry the bells thoroughly.
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5
Use a polish made for your bell's type of metal. Most bells are brass, silver or silver-plated. Apply a little bit of polish with a soft, dry, clean cloth. Add a little more polish as you need it, but keep coats very thin.
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Use elbow grease to rub away oxidation and discoloration. Refold the rag to a clean section and continue rubbing away excess polish. Buff the bell to a high shine.
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7
Reattach bells to the leather strap or unwrap the strap.
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Tips & Warnings
If you prefer not to work with lacquer solvents or strippers, you can bring the bells to an antique or metal restorer to strip them for you.
You can reapply a lacquer or sealer if you wish to preserve the shine.
Solvents, strippers, detergents, water, lacquer and excessive handling can damage leather straps.
