No passwords, no registration, no paywalls, no popups, no AI

As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner we earn from affil links

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

Search our quarter-million Q&As

Home of the finishing HOTLINE since 1989

-----

Lacquer removal from old copper

I would like to remove lacquer from an antique piece of copper, it is very uneven and has worn off in many places. However having said that, I also do not want to disturb the patina. The piece is about 80 years old and the patina is quite nice except for this issue.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Timothy Jensen
- Plant City, Florida
2003

Starting Fluid
starting_fluid

on Amazon or eBay
(affil link)

If it actually is a lacquer some ether should take it right off. Starter, or brake fluid are both ethers. Starter fluid works best as it very quickly evaporates.

Ronald Zeeman
Continuous Colour Coat - Brampton, Ontario, Canada
2003

Window cleaner... or straight ammonia ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil link] .. it will blister right up ..rinse with water ..... so think about this .....How many things have you ruined the clear lacquer finish on in your life ?.. Do Not Clean Custom Wheels With Windex.

Jim Potter
- Belmont, North Carolina,
2006

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.

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: