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Can I 'spot' plate brass on a table that is worn in areas?

Hi there,
I recently came across a Mastercraft table that is brass plated. There are some areas where the underlying metal has rusted and eroded through the brass plate. This metal is highly polishable but has a cooler appearance than the brass. I've stripped the lacquer off the table and would like to know if there is a process out there that allows you to just plate the areas that have worn off.

I did come across something in the UK but shipping the materials seems tough and there is a lack of support.

Any knowledge/advice is greatly appreciated!

thanks,
Mhairi

Mhairi Phillips
designer - Chicago, Illinois, USA
September 15, 2011

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Hi, Mhairi. The process is called "brush plating" , but I don't think even a professional would be able to satisfactorily undertake this. First, in the best of cases it's between hard and impossible to get a proper aesthetic match with a spot-plating repair. Second, brass is not an element, but an alloy of zinc and copper whereby the color is extremely dependent on the exact ratio of the two metals deposited. Third, the metals don't deposit in the ratio of the solution, but depending on temperature, current density, etc. Fourth, the best brass plating solutions are cyanide-based and unavailable to consumers.

I think you should either paint the table or send it to a plating shop for replating of the whole thing. But there may be a third option: G.J. Nikolas [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] offers "toners" that you mix into lacquer. You could mix one of their brass-tone toners into the lacquer, and possibly receive satisfactory results. If you try this, let us know how it works out. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
September 18, 2011

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September 21, 2011

Thanks, that sounds like a reasonable solution as there is a polished surface to work with. Appreciate your advice and your website!
best,
Mhairi

Mhairi Phillips
- Chicago Illinois USA