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 cast iron and alabaster floor lamp

Q. I have an antique floor lamp, about 75 years, that I am told is green alabaster and cast iron. I took a piece of the metal to Home Depot and they told me it was cast iron. This lamp sat in my damp garage for over 20 years I used naval jelly to remove the rust. Now that the rust is gone, it keeps turning greyish/white. The metal appears to be some shade of yellow or gold. First, is this cast iron? and if you know what it is, what can I do to restore its luster?
thanks...dana

Dana Cameron
tinker - North Ridgeville
January 26, 2011

Precipitated Chalk /
Calcium Carbonate
Amazon

(affil links)

A. Try if it is magnetic; if it is then it is iron, if not it may be bronze, brass or brass plated zinc. Any proprietary metal polish must be ok, precipitated chalk ⇨
and water is simple D-I-Y solution; if it is iron try fine steel wool. Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia

(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: