Vintage screen part two.
+9
I took a good look with my glasses and it seems that the designs on the screen were once a green color and have quite a bit of rust. I'm wondering if I should do some restoration along with a good clean using the proper product. I think using a rub on color in a dark green might work??? I need to stop the rust. I guess a sane person would call me wish washy but I need your input to make a decision
12 answers
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@Frankie Laney That looks like copper, with aged patina! You could use a VERY fine steel wool piece to gently remove the rust 'flakes', and then preserve it by.....Yep, Briwax. Sorry, everyone must by tired of hearing me refer to Briwax, but it's been my 'go to' for way over a decade. Nope, I do not get any 'perks' from them. Just my humble opinion!
Sia@South 47th
on May 25, 2013
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Yup, gonna have to agree with Sia. The green is probably the patina/aging from the copper. Just like a penny gets a greenish tint to it when it's older. The process is called oxidation. Copper reacts to sunlight and oxygen over time. If you like that aged look, then I agree with Sia on just VERY lightly sanding off the loose rust and then sealing it...BUT I bet you could bring back ALOT of shine to this beauty by using a good name brand tarnish remover (for copper)..Now that I'm looking at that third picture, I can't tell if that's paint or not??..Maybe test a small inconspicuous area with a tarnish remover to see if it is indeed paint or patina. It's beautiful! Gonna look awesome either way!
Leah Belverd
on May 25, 2013
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hmmmm, what a conundrum . . . what to do what to do? I believe I'd go to a reputable antique dealer in your area and show them these pics (if not take the screen itself) they would know what to do and if it needed resstoration probably be able to refer you to a qualified restorerer . . . good luck . . . AND it really WOULD look great in my master bedroom ;)
La Kn
on May 25, 2013
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@Frankie Laney I agree with @Sia@South 47th it does look like copper. You have both solid copper and screen copper. Perhaps research the on google, how to clean the screening and the solids. You may be able to get away with a copper cleaner like brasso for the solid pieces. I know on our parliament buildings they sand blast the copper on the roof to make it look newer, but that could be expensive, and not sure you have the depth to do that, so a search may find you the best answer. It is a beautiful item - great find. Thanks for posting.
Gail Salminen
on May 25, 2013
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I am a copper lover and I do not, for the life of me, know why I did not think about it being copper..duh. OMGosh now I've got to find out. The beautiful screen that keeps on giving!! Thanks all. Sia@South 47th where do you find the Briwax?
Frankie Laney
on May 25, 2013
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It's not copper :-( I used a bit of copper cleaner in a spot and nothing but dirt. I agree, that it must have been made to look like copper patina when it was born..
Frankie Laney
on May 25, 2013
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If your copper pieces can get wet, use Twinkle Copper Cleaner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, using enclosed sponge to help and a soft cloth to dry. Can also be used to clean brass. For an even brighter shine, follow with The Original Never-Dull Magic Wading Polish ( http://www.nevrdull.com/ ). Military use it and we all know how they like things clean, bright, and shiny.
Paula Smith
on May 26, 2013
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@Frankie Laney Not copper eh? Shoot. Well, I would still wipe down to remove as much dirt as possible with a VERY lightly dampened cloth, then dry. If any rust still shows, then use the 000 steel wool method, with a very light hand. Here is the site for Briwax. You can phone them as well, they are very helpful. It still is a great piece!! xo http://www.briwax.com
Sia@South 47th
on May 27, 2013
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Sia, those Briwax folks owe you some kickback. LOL
Catherine Smith
on May 27, 2013
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Yeah Sia, I was all ready to the copper :-( But, I love the piece and will share a photo of the finished piece
Frankie Laney
on May 27, 2013
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@Catherine Smith Hahahah Yea, they sure do! LOL!! @Frankie Laney Can't wait to see it! xo
Sia@South 47th
on May 31, 2013
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I actually love this as is, When the copper starts to oxidise and gets this patina called vedigris. Personally I would give it a light clean and maybe a matt varnish, I recall painting pieces to mimic this piece so that it looked like vedigris and aged.! It's a beautiful screen, I wish you luck with whichever way you choosem thanks for sharing.
Annie Doherty
on Jul 03, 2016
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