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BRASS Lacquer REMOVAL AND SHINING PREP

I HAVE A BRASS BED THAT IS SPRAYED WITH lacquer AND IT WILL NOT CLEAN. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO GET lacquer OFF AND CLEAN BED ABOUT 150 YRS OLD.

RICHARD B [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- COLUMBIA, South Carolina
2001

Vintage Brass Beds & Parts on eBay

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Lacquer can be removed with lacquer thinner [on eBay or Amazon], Richard. But although the bed is 150 years old, the coating may be newer and may not be brass lacquer. If it's something newer and synthetic, you may need Aircraft Stripper to remove it; this is noxious methylene chloride based, so you'll definitely need protective rubber gloves, chemical goggles, and excellent outdoor ventilation.

Then you use a brass polish. There are many discussions about that on this site; try letter 13396 for a start. To keep it shiny you can reapply brass lacquer .

Good luck.

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

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