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How to lighten a black brass chandelier

 

I recently acquired a bronze candelabra about 22" in height, with four candle arms and the base being that of an orante serpent. The problem is it is almost entirely black and I want to restore it to a lighter finish, but don't know where to start. Is there a product out there I can get to do this job?

Richard
- Avenura, Florida
2003

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If your piece is bronze, it must be completely dismantled firstly. In a plastic container, place all the pieces. Wearing rubber rubber gloves [on eBay or Amazon], apron [on eBay or Amazon] , goggles [on eBay or Amazon] etc, spray the parts thoroughly, with 50 per cent muriatic acid [affil links] using a cheap plastic spray bottle. Do this outside well away from humans, animals or valuable property. When metal appears cleaned, rinse well with running water. Towel dry and warm up in oven to dry properly. Many good metal polishing pastes are available that can bring up a shine with plenty of elbow grease or you could take it to a reputable polisher to do the magic. Ensure you protect the final product with a good baked lacquer finish,to prevent tarnish.

Good luck.

Mark Gunn
- NSW, Australia
2003

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