Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Restoring Brass Fixtures

I just purchased a home that is 36 years old the bathroom fixtures are brass, and have a ugly green tint to them. Can they be cleaned and restored or should I replace them? If they can be restored, what can I do to keep them from getting that way again?

Mary Cordes
- St. Louis, Missouri

You didn't mention how much time you have on your hands. Yes, they can be restored, but to do it properly you will need to remove the clear finish (on the shiny brass), then hand polish, clean,(without leaving marks), and re-apply a good clear spray finish. All the materials can be purchased at a hardware store. Do not use chemical strippers for paint (these are usually caustic and will not be nice to brass). #0000 steel wool [on eBay or Amazon] with brass cleaner and elbow grease will achieve a reasonable polish. You can go over the part with a cloth + cleaner/polish to achieve a brighter finish. (More times = better finish = more work) You could spend a day on one fixture, or when at the hardware store buy new fixtures.

Wayne McKee
McKee Specialty - Mississauga, Ont, Canada

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: