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Need estimate for copper teapot polish and lacquering [Massachusetts]

I am looking to buy a medium sized (7" x 7" diameter) copper teapot from an antique shop. The copper is weathered, but no green patina. Before I buy it, I'd like to know how much would it cost to have the teapot polished and lacquered on the outside?

Dita Joarder
homeowner - Boston, Massachusetts, USA
July 21, 2010

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July 27, 2010

Well if it's a collectible worth something antique I might be a bit hesitant about working with it. A lot of that stuff is worth more if it's in original condition, so to speak. If there are no scratches on it or if you don't care about the scratches go to food store and buy some Brasso ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] or other metal polish and then to the hardware and get a can of clear spray on lacquer. Polish it shiny, degrease it with dish soap and water and give it a light coat of the lacquer. If it has scratches that you want removed it's best left to a restorer as no one but a trained person can really say how thick the copper is. Almost all copper outside of sugar bowls have a steel interior as copper will transfer taste to most foods. If you polish through the copper into the iron interior ¼.. well you get the picture!

Rod Henrickson
gunsmith - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada