Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Stiffel lamp cleaning, refinishing, replating Q&A's
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This thread is about Stiffel lamp cleaning, refinishing, & replating. Similar threads include:
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Thread 33143, "Stiffel lamps parts & repairs Q&A's"
Q. Hi! I collect brass lamps and recently came across one that I'm having trouble identifying the maker for. Do you guys think it's a Stiffel?
- Baytown, Texas
November 27, 2024
⇩ Related postings, oldest first ⇩
Q. My mother gave me Stiffel lamps she received as a wedding gift 50 years ago. I believe that they are brass since a magnet does not stick to them. The base is 3 layers of square pads-like a tiered cake. They look like columns with a brass leaf design that is attached somehow and spirals around the center pole, which is a painted white metal (I think-this is the only non-brass area) the top is a smaller version of the base. They are very badly tarnished. How can I restore the finish.
LOUISE L [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- MINEOLA, New York
2002
Q. How do you clean Stiffel Lamps purchased new 10 years ago?
Thank you,
Juliette S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Charlotte, North Carolina
2002
Q. Has anyone received an answer as to how to restore the brass on Stiffel lamps? I have several that are up to 50 years old. Love them but they are badly tarnished. I believe they are/were lacquered but not sure. Someone Help!
Grace G [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Austin, Texas
2003
Q. I have 3 Stiffel Lamps which are at least 33 years old. I love them but they are badly tarnished. I've been told the lamps have a finish which can't be polished. Is this true? If so I will be very disappointed that expensive lamps like Stiffel have been manufactured in this manner. If they can be polished I would like to know how and what is needed. Your reply will be appreciated.
Thank you,
Eleanor H [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Sanford, Florida
2003
A. Hi Louise, Juliette, Grace, Eleanor ...
Brass does not retain its shine unless it is lacquered, so we must begin with the assumption that it was lacquered. So start by seeing if lacquer thinner
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon
[affil links] Warning! highly flammable!
removes anything. You should be able to detect some sort of gumminess on your cleaning cloths indicating that lacquer is being removed. If lacquer thinner
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon
[affil links] Warning! highly flammable!
will not remove it, methylene chloride surely will without harming the brass, but this stuff is truly noxious and toxic -- so use only outside, wearing rubber gloves
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] and
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] , working from upwind, and with no children or pets about.
With the lacquer removed, try Brasso
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links] or any metal polish. Unfortunately, plating doesn't last forever so it may be porous, pin-holed, worn through in spots, or so tarnished that the problem can't be fully solved. When re-lacquering, use multiple thin coats to avoid runs. Top quality lamp manufacturers may use 7 layers of highly thinned lacquer rather than one or two heavier coats :-)
It won't be cheap but a plating shop can do new brass plating if necessary.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
RFQ: I am the owner of a 27 year old Stiffel lamp. I took the lamp to a lamp doctor who claimed to be an expert on cleaning and refurbishing this style lamp. He ruined the finish and I would like to know if and where I can take the lamp to have it refinished.
Shirley Saxtonhobbyist - New York, New York, USA
2003
Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)
A. Hi Shirley. It presumably needs to be brass plated again. See if you can find a local plating shop which offers brass plating. Antique dealers will often be able to refer you. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. I bought a Stiffel lamp 15 years ago. I always wanted a matching one, but it never fell into the category of need. So I never purchased the second one until this weekend. At a flea market I found its exact mate for $6.00 wow! That was the deal of the month. It is tarnished the same as the one I have. I know it is lacquered. How can I remove the lacquer so I can polish it again then reapply lacquer so as to slow the tarnish process? Is there someone I can take it to that will do the job for me?
Katherine S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Brentwood, California
2003
A. In response to the inquiry about tarnished Stiffel lamps. I'm not sure about the protective finish on a Stiffel, but I have cleaned brass by using paint remover ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] (If it has a protective coating). Brass is brass. Then polish it to the luster you prefer and respray it with clear lacquer or clear enamel. There are many brass polishes out there that you can use.
David H Nelson- Northport, Michigan
2004
Q. My Stiffel lamps are deeply pitted in addition to being tarnished. Will using paint remover help that situation as well as dealing with the tarnishing?
Lyn Swaffordconsumer - Canton, New York
2004
A. Hi Lyn. Sorry, but paint remover will neither remove tarnish not repair the pitting. The most it will do is remove the clear lacquer.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. I too have Stiffel brass lamps that have become badly pitted due to living at the beach. I recall when I bought them that they advised not to attempt to polish them with brass polish, so I've restrained myself. HELP! Is there any way to salvage them? Is replating expensive and where would I have to take or send my lamps? Another question, do you have any suggestion on perhaps cleaning the surfaces well and then giving them a completely new look? I would appreciate a response.
Thanks!
Marilyn Hlebo- Huntington Beach, California
2005
Ed. note: Please see our Directory of Jobshops for places that can do replating for you.
A. Here are the facts about Stiffel lamps.
1) Before the year 2000, Most Stiffel lamps were BRASS PLATED!
2) They used to advertise SOLID BRASS PLATING
3) They are mostly quality zinc die-cast metal with a heavy plating which they then antiqued, color buffed and lacquered.
4) When the pitting starts, you should just rub #0000 steel wool
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] lightly to take the chalkiness out and re-lacquer. If there are dark brown or black spots, well, you're out of luck. You would have to replate the lamps which is expensive. It is usually less expensive to purchase new solid brass lamps.
5) The best way to keep Stiffel lamps is to maintain them. Using Pledge furniture polish is good. It creates a vapor barrier so the air will not get to the metal and it protects the lacquer. If you spill something on it wipe it off immediately. If you live on the shore, Good Luck!
- Farmington, Connecticut
A. The first thing to do to repolish a Stiffel is to remove the lacquer. I've used a product called Gillespie Brass Refurbisher with success.
Tarni-shield copper and brass polish will work but requires a lot of rubbing. There are probably many products as effective as the Gillespie.
The Stiffel is formed out of zinc, plated with nickel, polished, and then electroplated with brass. If the brass plating is reduced too much the nickel will be exposed (i.e., trying to remove pits). To restore the lamp to original if this occurs will require that it is re-electroplated (I called Stiffel when it was still producing lamps and was quoted a price of $160 apiece).
Tarni-shield does work good for removing tarnish and Brasso
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links] does a good final polishing job. Wood polishes that contain ammonia
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] will initiate the pitting in the brass by creating holes in the lacquer and allowing moisture and air to wick to the brass and cause corrosion. Resealing the brass is necessary to prevent accelerated corrosion. Some waxes work for a long time but with a little practice there are spray finish products that can be used to produce a finish effectively similar to the original.
- Springhill, Florida
2005
RFQ: I have several Stiffel lamps that need refinishing. I had a contact one time with the company directly and they had refinished my other lamps. Do you know where I can get these other lamps done. Please email me back ASAP. Thanks.
Vicky PardiniHomeowner - Redwood City, California, USA
Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)
RFQ: I have 2 vintage Stiffel lamps that have minor corrosion damage. Need the finish repaired to an antique finish. I have polished the corrosion off but now the finished places does not match the lamp. Help.
Susan Congaltonhome owner - Palatine, Illinois, USA
2007
Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)
A. Hi Susan. One possibility you could consider is brass darkening solution ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . However, the seller only recommends for solid brass, not the plated brass of your Stiffel lamps. In other words, it may work or may make it worse. But if the only alternative is to send them out for replating anyway, you might take a chance.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. I have 2 Stiffel lamps, 38" tall, 3 tiered brass bottom, grape vine wrapped around a cream coloured column and a brass finish on top. I've managed to get the brass back to original condition, but need help getting the cream coloured columns clean. Any suggestions? They are approximately 40 years old. Thanks
Margaret Biondo- Asheville, North Carolina
2007
Q. We have two brass look Stiffel table lamps that look like they are pitting (black or dark spots). These lamps were quite expensive - can they be repaired, refinished, etc.
Thanks
consumer - Debary, Florida
July 18, 2008
A. One of the best ways to clean brass is to mix salt with vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and warm it in the micro-wave. Apply to brass and rub with very fine steel wool ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . If you would like to polish after this, any over-the-counter brass polish will work.
Joe Turnbach- Downingtown, Pennsylvania
September 6, 2008
Hi. Joe is right, but a word of warning! Don't assume that because vinegar + salt is safe for people that it is a very mild brass cleaner. Quite the opposite: it is much more aggressive than store-bought brass polishes. So test in an inconspicuous spot and be careful about its possible effect on really fine detail.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
by Rachel Martens
on AbeBooks
or eBay or
Amazon
(affil links)
by Frank W. Coggins
on AbeBooks
or eBay or
Amazon
(affil links)
A. My mother had 3 Stiffel lamps with the "Antique finish" that were badly tarnished and had black spots. I asked her if I could have them as I have always loved those lamps, and I thought they would look good in my new house. I rewired them myself using a kit I bought at Home Depot for about $8 each, and then bought a bottle of Brasso. After using the Brasso ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and some elbow grease, the lamps are now a shiny brass and they are beautiful. The lamps now have a whole new look to them that will be great in my new house.
Heather Braxton- Brooklyn, New York
December 19, 2008
I just tried the Brasso method to restore my lamp. It was being thrown out and my daughter brought it home thinking I would repair it. Well I did repair, rewire and restore it to a beautiful new looking lamp. The Brasso
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links] worked great. It took a little time and elbow grease but was worth the effort ! thanks for the tip.
- Flushing, New York
June 11, 2009
A. When my wife bought her "Brand New" Stiffel's I inquired of the finish and both salesperson and wife giggled at my not knowing that it is Stiffel tradition that the brass is a darkened "antique style" and does have a sealed finish and that stripping this finish to brighten up the brass is endangering to the intent of the intended Stiffel appearance and that if you simply insist on a bright brass appearance that you would have to disassemble the entire lamp to strip their finish off with any good grade lacquer stripper, however, this may reduce the lamps value. These lamps require more frequent care if you leave them near open windows with misty or salty spray exposure. If you have spots or issues try the mildest of cleaners and slowly try more harsher cleaners to remove the spot but be careful of any harmful stripping fluid, once you have a smooth finish stop trying to get anymore spot or area cleaned because the spot may very likely be under the protective finish.
Natural unsealed brass requires a vastly more frequent polishing regimen. A child spilling even just a small droplet of soda pop on the lamp finish needs to be wiped off as soon as possible as soda formulations have been known to totally dissolve a copper penny in just a few days. Most spots will come off but it is possible that a spot of substance could stain the finish, if it is settled on the lamp too long. some petroleum residues can cause this to happen. I wouldn't use PLEDGE as one other writer wrote because it does have an accumulation factor and dust attraction
I haven't used anything other than a clean soft cloth or a lightly dampened cloth of Windex Commercial Line
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links]
, although I would think a dust repellent like Endust that has a top priority of not leaving moisture or film residue behind should be the very best cleaner.
There is another manufacturer that makes Quality Brass lamps that are the bright brass finish I just can't recall if they are called Alexander or Heritage lamps but they are heavy weight solid brass just like Stiffel although I must concede to agreement with my wife that the Stiffel finish is a superior appearance and more visually appealing.
- Toledo, Ohio
July 28, 2009
Q. My Stiffel lamp has brass flakes falling from it. How can I have this fixed or repaired?
Ann Walsh- Colonia, New Jersey, USA
November 5, 2012
A. It must go to a plating shop for replating, Ann.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
I have 5 Stiffel lamps from old to fairly new. The old ones were in need of refinish. That is when I found that the "BRASS" in the description of the lamps does not describe what it is really made of. The base material is a cheap mix of aluminum and ?. In the old days it was called "pot metal". This was disappointing because I really wanted to do a nice refinish. I have decided that they are not worth the time or money. I will never buy a Stiffel 'brass' lamp again.
- Auburn Washington
July 12, 2018
This comment pertains to the threads on Stiffel lamps that have tarnished badly. I have a Stiffel table lamp that was tarnished badly and was ready to discard it. I came across a local plater that has done many Stiffel lamps and the results were beyond amazing. I dismantled my table lamp and decided to have it replated. The results were spectacular. It looks like a brand new lamp and the cost was reasonable. One tip: dismantling it will save you quite a bit and it it fairly easy to do.
- Huntington Beach, California
October 1, 2020
Q. Hi Howard. I am trying to clean up my mom's old Stiffel lamp. Where did you take yours to be replated? Since I am not far away, I would like to take mine there. How much did they charge? And does it have the antique look finish after they replated it?
Thanks
- Newport Beach California
February 15, 2021
Q. If Howard is willing to share the plater's info, please let me know.
Thanks so much
- Los Angeles California
April 26, 2021
A. Hi Lisa, hi Wanda. I apologize that we can't post sourcing suggestions publicly (why?)
Please either try a search engine with "Plating service California lamps" as your search term, or post an RFQ, which will allow Howard or others to make plater suggestions to you in private rather than via a public posting.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. I have a Stiffel lamp that I found in a thrift store. Unfortunately, someone spray painted it. Is there a safe way to remove the paint without damaging the original brass?
Thank you.
Retired - Mobile Alabama
April 30, 2023
Ed. note: This forum was founded as a gathering place for sharing anecdotes, tips, & opinions in a spirit of camaraderie.
When names are withheld & free confidential consulting requested by a stranger, readers may be less likely to engage.
A. Hi 1149. Most paint strippers (all but 'caustic based') will be harmless to brass plating. But usually when someone paints something that oughtn't be painted there was a reason they did it. So don't be surprised if the underlying plating isn't much anymore.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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