As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases

Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"

"Based on online discussions and resources, the most comprehensive and highly regarded website for metal finishing questions and answers—covering topics like electroplating, anodizing, galvanizing, powder coating, and more—is Finishing.com. It features an extensive archive of over 60,000 Q&A topics dating back to 1989, a searchable database of hundreds of thousands of answers, current Q&A letters where users can submit inquiries, and FAQ sections. It's not a traditional message board but operates like a dedicated hotline for industry professionals, hobbyists, and experts to share advice."

Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Adver-
tise
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry


  -----

Old Brass Table Lamp





 

Am attempting to refinish a brass table lamp that consists of 3 separate brass castings; probably made in the 1930-1940s. I have buffed it to remove the original damaged finish, including the lacquer. My problem is: how to restore the deep, natural brass patina; buffing left it looking almost like chrome for some reason, Brasso ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] does nothing to restore the above brass finish I desire. Is there a way to "age" the brass back to the desired appearance? Any other soultions/suggestions will be much appreciated.

Thank you,

John Arden Nordahl
- Minneapolis, Minnesota


Hi John,

The chrome color you see is likely a zinc or nickel substrate. Buffing the brass may have stripped the brass plating, or the substrate had a brass tinted lacquer covering it. Take it to a polisher/buffer/plater and have it replated or recoated.

Hope that helps.

Jake Koch
G. J. Nikolas &Co.,Inc.
supporting advertiser
Bellwood, Illinois
nikolas banner ad


I now find myself confused over removal of plating etc. via buffing? My question is; why would the solid casting be plated with brass? ( I can look inside the casting and see its native, i.e., "raw" color (brass/bronze)... on the other two castings: I have had a little success suspending them over water, which seems to slowly bring the brass color/patina back (?) responses are sought and appreciated

John Arden Nordahl
- Anoka, Minnesota




(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:

Finishing
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g,
& Software


About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2025 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"