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Restore Copper Table with Engraved Map
Q. Hi, I have an old table that appears to have a copper top, with a very detailed old map of the world pressed into it. The table is very worn and has several marks and stains on it. Is there anyway I can get it back to its original look?
Sheree B. [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
A. There is a product called Zap Restorer ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] that will restore old stained and tarnished metal to its original luster. I'm not sure where you get it (I ordered mine off TV), but if you do a web search, I'm sure you'll find it.
Jared Wilbur- Wakefield, Rhode Island
A. Hi, Sheree. There are a hundred or more copper polishes ranging from the very mildest like Brasso ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] (which will give the warmest glow but is slow), through significantly stronger ones like ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] which contain a mild acid and will work much faster but perhaps not give quite as warm a glow, to really aggressive ones like vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] & salt & flour, remember that while it's very mild to people, it's truly aggressive to copper (see letter 55968) and there is a chance of it removing the etched map, so test carefully. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July 2011
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