A brass chandelier can be a very elegant addition to any décor. Brass is a great material for those that want a low maintenance material for their chandelier. There is nothing more tiring than having to constantly clean a chandelier. Brass is durable and non-corrosive so it will not rust like other materials. Even still your brass chandelier will need some maintenance in to maintain its beauty. Brass chandeliers should be properly maintained and depending on the finish of your chandelier the different types of maintenance techniques will be required.
In general all brass chandeliers need to be maintained with a light polishing. There are two main finishes that are unique to the brass chandelier. First there is the antique brass chandelier. This type of chandelier is characterized by its rustic color and may have variations also known as patina. The other type of chandelier is the polished brass chandelier. Many people will recognize this brass chandelier by its very obvious shine and gleam. Both types of brass chandeliers should be unassembled by removing the lights and bulbs prior to any cleaning or polishing. Any dust should be removed from the chandelier with a dry cloth. This prepare the chandelier for further cleansing and is a necessary step in the cleansing process. The brass chandelier can then be cleaned with a mild soap and then dried. It is important to avoid the use of any ammonia-based cleansers as they will tarnish brass chandeliers.
If your chandeliers are tarnished by rust of any other product you must determine if you have a solid brass chandelier or a steel plated chandelier in order to effectively remove the tarnish. Most steel plated brass chandeliers are attracted to magnets so a simple magnet test can confirm the type of brass chandelier you have. Tarnish on a steel plated brass chandelier can be removed with steel wool and after removal you can have the chandelier refinished to its original appearance or simply paint the chandelier. A solid brass chandelier with tarnish can be cleaned with an ammonia-free brass cleanser and then sealed with lacquer paint.
After removing any tarnish you can polish your brass chandeliers. Brass chandeliers should be polished using a brass polish using a soft cloth in a circular motion. Antique brass chandeliers should be polished lightly as over polishing of these types of chandeliers will remove the oxidation that gives the antique chandelier its unique look. Polished solid brass chandeliers can be given a regular polish with emphasis on creating the shine throughout the entire chandelier. To maintain the look of your brass chandeliers make sure to dust your chandeliers with a dry cloth occasionally. This will help to maintain the shine and luster between polishing.
A brass chandelier is a lovely addition to any home. It is fancy without being too ostentatious and many people enjoy the versatility of brass. The different brass finishes are both unique in not only how they look but also how they are to be maintained. Solid polished brass and antique brass chandeliers look different and need to be cleaned and maintained properly to ensure their longevity and the beauty.
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