| Search our quarter-million Q&As |
Home of the finishing HOTLINE since 1989
-----Restore Copper Table with Engraved Map
Q. Hi, I have an old table that appears to have a copper top, with a very detailed old map of the world pressed into it. The table is very worn and has several marks and stains on it. Is there anyway I can get it back to its original look?
Sheree B. [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
A. There is a product called Zap Restorer ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] that will restore old stained and tarnished metal to its original luster. I'm not sure where you get it (I ordered mine off TV), but if you do a web search, I'm sure you'll find it.
Jared Wilbur- Wakefield, Rhode Island
A. Hi, Sheree. There are a hundred or more copper polishes ranging from the very mildest like Brasso ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] (which will give the warmest glow but is slow), through significantly stronger ones like ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] which contain a mild acid and will work much faster but perhaps not give quite as warm a glow, to really aggressive ones like vinegar ⇦ in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil link] & salt & flour, remember that while it's very mild to people, it's truly aggressive to copper (see letter 55968) and there is a chance of it removing the etched map, so test carefully. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
July 2011
Sorry! Finishing.com is temporarily Read-Only.
Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.