What is the care for unlacquered brass items that are used indoors?

Unlacquered brass products, that are used indoors, will need polishing with a fine quality brass cleaner, such as Wenol, two to three times a year, in most areas. Here in the Northeast, we generally polish our brass in September, after the heat and humidity of the summer months has passed. Then, we will want to touch it up for the Holidays of November or December. This will usually last until June or so. Simply adjust this schedule to the climate in your area.

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What is the care of lacquered brass items that are used in the home or office?

The beauty of a fine quality lacquered brass product is that no special care is needed to preserve its shine. Simply dust with a soft, damp chemical free cloth. If the object needs special treatment, such as candelsticks with drips of wax on them, simply hold the candlesticks in very hot water until the wax melts. Buff dry with a soft cloth. You might want to use Faucet Brite on them to keep any wax from adhering to the finish in the future For that matter, try using Faucet Brite, once a year, on all your lacquered brass, lamps, switchplates, floor registers, beds, planters, tool sets, etc. You will be delighted at how well protected your brass will be, and how long the beauty will last.

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What are some concerns for certain lacquered brass items?

"Carefree" is the usual the term for lacquered brass items that are used in the home. However, there are certain cautions when handling some items.

Switchplates: Wait about five days after papering or painting a wall to apply switchplates. The chemicals and moisture from the paper or paint need time to dissipate even though the wall will feel dry to the touch. If the switchplates are installed too soon, they will tarnish in a heavy black border around the edge of the plate. The body of the plate will still shine. It appears as though the switchplate is missing lacquer around the edges and has tarnished. But, it simply reacted to the chemicals and moisture. To remove finger smudges from the plate after it has been in use, wipe with a damp, chemical-free cloth. A light coating of Faucet Brite on the switchplates makes the cleaning easier and will protect the lacquer.

Floor Registers: The same caution should be applied to floors that have just been refinished as to refinished walls (see above). Please wait for all volatiles to dissipate before installing the register. Later, when cleaning the floor, keep strong cleaners from spraying on the lacquered brass. It's a good idea to keep the registers coated with Faucet Brite. Another idea is to simply lift the register from the floor before cleaning, as, they are not screwed in place, but are placed into the floor vent opening.

Brass tables with glass tops: It's best to spray the paper towel or cloth when cleaning these items. This way, you'll prevent the window cleaning spray from drifting onto the lacquered brass. Mirrors: It's best to spray glass cleaner on a paper towel or cloth when cleaning mirrors. This way, you'll prevent the cleaning spray from drifting onto the lacquered brass.

Brass Beds: Lacquered brass beds will maintain their shine for many years, just like other brass items in the home. There is one special consideration, however. Leaning on the headboard of the bed consistently to read or watch TV in bed, will wear away the protective coating over time. Buy a propping pillow and use that instead of resting on the headboard.

Candlesticks and sconces: Wax drips can be safely removed from lacquered brass candlesticks and sconces by dipping the piece in very hot water to melt the wax. Buff the items with a soft cloth to remove any last traces of wax. Never, never scrape the wax off with a fingernail or sharp item. It will surely scratch the lacquer! Also, be advised to use only the best candles, not cheaper quality candles. Good candles will drip less and burn more slowly. If your candles drip because they are being used in a drafty location, use Baldwin Candle Followers. They are designed to prevent wax candles from dripping. In the colonial days, wax was precious and needed to be preserved; candle followers were used extensively. Today they also provide an extra accent of brass to your candles.

Candle snuffers: A candle snuffer or extinguisher is a very useful device and should not be reserved for impressing company at the dinner table. At the top of a burning candle is a pool of liquid wax. [Always burn new candles for at least one hour the first time they are used. This allows the candle to properly form a cup to contain the liquid wax.] By blowing the flame out, the liquid wax is sent scattering, splattering all over your fine linens or maybe even your invited guests! Use a Baldwin Candle Extinguisher and the flame will be snuffed out without any mess. After a period of time, dip the snuffer into very hot water to remove the wax. Buff with a dry cloth or a soft paper towel.

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