How to Remove Lacquer From Polished Brass

An old, flaking coating of lacquer can make brass impossible to polish.

While it's usually a good idea to spray a coat of lacquer on polished brass to keep it shiny, the lacquer eventually dulls and may start to flake off. When this happens, it won't be possible polish the brass to a shiny finish until you remove the coating. Lacquer dissolves readily in a strong solvent, such as acetone or lacquer thinner, and once soft can be easily wiped away. Both these solvents are highly volatile, flammable and toxic, so keep them away from open flames and wear a respirator while you are using them.

Things You'll Need

• Lacquer thinner or acetone
• Small bucket
• Rags
• Very fine steel wool
• Respirator

Instructions

1. Put on a respirator. Pour a pint or more of lacquer thinner or acetone into a small bucket. If the brass pieces are small enough to dip into the bucket, fill it with enough solvent to completely cover them.

2. Immerse the brass pieces in the solvent, if they are small enough to fit in the bucket, and leave them for about five minutes. When you take them out, wipe each piece thoroughly with a dry cloth as you remove it. If there are still patches of lacquer on a piece, re-immerse it for another five minutes, or until the lacquer completely dissolves.

3. Soak a rag with solvent to clean pieces that are too large to immerse. Thoroughly moisten the brass surface with the solvent, and while it is still wet, rub it down with a batt of very fine steel wool moistened with solvent. Rinse the steel wool frequently in the bucket as you work.

4. Let the brass dry, then wipe it down with a clean rag slightly dampened with solvent to remove bits of lacquer that may still remain. When you have removed all the lacquer, wipe the brass with a clean dry rag prior to polishing it.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be preferable to preserve an original lacquer finish if it is in fairly good shape. This is similar to restoring a lacquer finish on wood and not difficult to do, but you may want to consult a professional if the piece is an antique.

• You can use a chemical stripper to remove lacquer from brass. It is a messier alternative to which you can resort if you aren't having any luck with solvents.

• Store lacquer thinner or acetone in a safe place with the lid tightly closed.

• Dispose of used lacquer thinner or acetone as hazardous waste according to the regulations of your local waste authority.

References

• The Henry Ford; The Care and Preservation of Historical Brass and Bronze; Clara Deck
• Ask the Builder; Brass Cleaning Tips; Tim Carter