How do I preserve the shine on my old brass lamp?

Judy Vandenboom
by Judy Vandenboom

I have an old brass lamp that I'm tired of polishing. Is there a finish I could use to preserve the shine?

  5 answers
  • Pam Pam on Feb 19, 2019

    Shine it up first. Then seal with Acrylic spray.

  • Oliva Oliva on Feb 19, 2019

    Hi, Judy,

    The U.S. Navy ship board personnel during WW II used clear nail polish (obviously, during that time, only polish available was for natural nails-the newer stuff is probably less effective) on brass rails.

  • William William on Feb 19, 2019

    I agree. Shine it up. Use Rustoleum or Krylon clear spray paint . Several light coats will give you a smooth finish.

  • Judith Judith on Feb 20, 2019

    When you find something that really works please share it. I have a brass bed over 100 years old and really need something to keep it shining. Elbow grease is just too hard and time consuming. Thanks.

  • Judith Judith on Feb 20, 2019

    A long time ago I had it dipped in acid to remove all the lacquer that had been applied to the bed. It was actually orange. After dipping it was black, but was beautiful after polishing. Nothing was put on it after that, thus the drab look now. Brass is lovely but hard to maintain. Thanks for your note.