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Turning leaded glass strips from yellow to white metal look

We purchased a home which has a lit "leaded glass" cabinet in its kitchen. The cabinet is less than two years old. Since we have outfitted the remainder of the kitchen with fixturing, handles, and knobs in an antiqued pewter finish, we would like to find a way to "turn" the brass-colored strips of the cabinet to an antiqued, white-metal look, as well. We used enamel paint in a first effort, which simply scratches off. Is there perhaps a clear coat we need to remove first, so that paint would adhere? Or is there a completely different route we must take.

The cabinet cannot practically be removed from the wall, nor can the glass be removed. Any solution would need to be completed in-home, and should be achievable by "masking off" the areas which need protection: glass, wood, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Barbara Noelle
Denver, Colorado
1999

There MIGHT be an easy way to do this. It matters greatly what the "yellow" finish is. IF the yellow metal is a bright brass plated finish, then brass was plated over nickel plated lead, which is common for brass plated stained glass. IF that is the case, then the brass plate is a soft thin coating and can be sanded off of the nickel plate leaving a pewter type appearance. However, the brass plate may have clear lacquer over it or a chromate to reduce tarnish.I would find a spot on the inside of the cabinet and try a vigorous application of elbow grease and 00 steel wool ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . Be sure to do this in an unseen, hidden location first as if it doesn't work you don't want to ruin the look of the cabinet. If it works use car wax ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . to protect the pewter looking surface from tarnish. I wouldn't personally try any chemicals as most would leave residues, cause staining or are too dangerous for someone to mess with, without the proper training or equipment. I want to emphasize that this is an idea without knowing what the yellow finish is.

Ward Barcafer, CEF
aerospace - Wichita, Kansas
1999