3 Ways To Polish Unfinished Brass

Are your customers knee-deep in decorating for the holidays?

Remind them that their metalware (particularly their brass) might need a little polish and touch-up.

Of course, Allied Brass products come in 17 finishes, 16 that won't tarnish and will keep and even and consistent coat.

 
Carolina Crystal Votive Candle Holder
Allied Brass Three Tier Etagere

Then there is unlacquered brass, which you can see on the highly polished Carolina Crystal Collection Wall Mounted Votive Candle Holder and Three Tier Etagere pictured above and polished to the highest shine.

The Appeal of Unlacquered Brass

Over time, exposure to oxygen will change the patina of unlacquered brass. Many people really like the darkened look that can create interesting patinas on sculptures, for example.

And unlacquered brass can always be polished back to a shine.

Natural oils from our skin isn't so great on unfinished brass, though, and can make the patina uneven. That's when it's time to polish, which some people enjoy. Actually, we don't mind it at all and honestly, we rarely need to do this more than a couple of times a year.

And guess what? You can tell your customers that they don't even have to run to the hardware store and buy commercial brass cleaners to bring their unfinished brass back to life.

Got Ketchup? You Got Brass Cleaner!

If your clients have kids, the odds are very, very good that they never run out of ketchup. Most parents and guardians learn that pretty early on.

Guess what? Ketchup is an excellent brass cleaner! Squirt some on a rag, says House Beautiful, and rub it all over the brass piece. Wipe it off with a clean, dry rag.

Or try other HB solutions:

  • Vinegar and salt. Yes, we like them on chips but they're also good for polishing brass. Make a paste from a teaspoon of salt, a 1/2 cup of vinegar, and however much flour is needed. Rub on brass, leave it for 10 minutes, rinse, and pat dry.
  • Lemon and salt. Squeeze a lemon half onto a clean sponge and sprinkle salt over it. Rub the sponge over the brass surface and rinse. Voila!

Allied Brass Finishes Only Need Soap and Water

An Allied Brass accessory with one of the 16 standard finishes can be cleaned with plain old soap and water. That's enough to remove fingerprints, food, whatever got stuck on.

Our finishes are tough and won't peel, corrode, or fade.

Questions? Get in touch with us to learn more about our products or start shopping today!

Unlaquered brass