The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Tarnished Baldwin candlestick lamps need help!

October 18, 2008

Downsizing requires hard personal choices. What possessions will carry memories of my lifetime and bring joy into my future? What can I say good-bye to without regret for leaving it behind? This 1950's pair of garage sale lamps are one of the items I chose to take with me into the next phase of my life. Please suggest the product/s and process I should follow to restore them to their original 'polished brass' luster.

These lamps are on the verge of tarnish and looking at them in that condition makes me sad. I've searched for and tried numerous brass cleaners but they don't perform as promised. As for turning them over to an expert, I'm afraid to take that chance. I brought a damaged Ethan Allan cupboard door to a local furniture refinisher and after months of waiting for it I was told they lost it! I had no recourse. This time I am turning to the internet for your expertise. I hope you'll choose to answer my request for help.

I would just appreciate your help! Thank YOU

Joan Koenig
Product owner - Surfside Beach, South Carolina

---

Hi, Joan. A mirror and a wall that is painted white may each reflect 90 percent of the light that hits them, but the mirror reflects the image because it is smooth and uniform whereas the white paint scatters the light in all directions. If you have tried numerous cleaners on the brass, yet it's not bright and metallic looking, it's probably that the surface is no longer mirror smooth. You probably need to buff the candlesticks to restore their shine. First, strip off any old lacquer with lacquer thinner ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly flammable! , then, if you have an electric drill, you can buy a buffing pad for it and try that (obviously trying an inconspicuous place first).

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 21, 2008