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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. [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

A. There is a product called Zap Restorer [on eBay or Amazon] 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] (which will give the warmest glow but does maddeningly little), through significantly stronger ones like [on eBay or Amazon] 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] & salt & flour, remember that while it's 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
July 2011

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