How do I protect-maintain Brass Light Fixture?
by
Jeff C
+6
When I took the old brass light fixture off, it barely had any resemblance to the shiny brass that it once was. After a year of being outside, this light fixture is starting to show signs of turning black which I suppose is called Patina. How do I protect a light fixture such as this or maintain it so that it stays shiny rather than pitted and black?
Notice that just under the light, it's turning black.
9 answers
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Hi Jeff, you could try ketchup. Yup, ketchup. Just wipe your light down first with a damp rag to get off any dust/dirt. Then smear ketchup around the fixture and let it set for 10 mins. or so. Wipe off with a warm damp towel and buff dry. May take a few times to get it shiny and new depending on how bad it is. I would do this 2x a year, before and after winter. Hope this helps.
Dee W
on Oct 26, 2012
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Really Dee? That's so interesting. Why ketchup?
Miriam Illions
on Oct 26, 2012
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Tasty idea, just had to say that. I have used clear lacquer spray paint to seal the brass from the elements.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Oct 27, 2012
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The acidity in the tomato based ketchup helps clean...you can get a similar effect with vinegar...be sure to rinse well...acid residues will lead to additional tarnish. a good mechanical polish with a bonifide brass cleaner then following with a sealer would be my route
KMS Woodworks
on Oct 28, 2012
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@Miriam I- KMS is right, it is the acid that helps and it is easier to see where you have covered as well as staying better than vinegar. If you can soak your piece than a tub with vinegar is a good way to go. I just thought that maybe Jeff would rather not take his fixtures down.
Dee W
on Oct 28, 2012
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Paint them! I've painted everything brass in my home and it's held up nicely.
Melisa Gingrich
on Sep 10, 2014
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You can buy a brass cleaner.
Marcy, Professional Designer, Artist and Arts and Crafts Instructor
on Dec 01, 2014
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Spray it with polyurethane after you clean it.
Adrianne C
on Dec 01, 2014
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Polyurethane does not last....I know. Use Barkeepers Friend to wipe it down once in a while. It's sooo easy to use with no scrubbing.
Sherry B.
on Jul 21, 2015
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