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world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Refinishing an old lamp

2003

Hi!

I purchased a lamp at a flea market, which looks like brass, but I don't believe it's the "real thing". I would like to change the base by applying different types of metallic finishes but don't know how to go about it. Any info you may be able to provide would be very much appreciated. As the lamp is an inexpensive find, I'm willing to experiment with any type of products.

Thank you! Karin Steiner
- Cloverdale, California, USA

Am trying to refinish a flea market lamp that looks like brass but most probably isn't the real thing. I'd like to apply different types of metallic-like finishes to change the color of the brass but don't know how to go about it. Any info would be welcome. Thanks! K. Steiner

Karin Steiner
- Cloverdale, California, USA
2003

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When you don't know what it is, and feel it may be some kind of paint, it isn't possible to apply a real patina. A patina is a reaction between the metal of the surface and some reagent that reacts with it. If what you have is a paint, all you can do is apply a different paint. Hardware stores have metallic looking and patina-like paints available. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003