How to Restore an Antique Brass Finish

Antique brass becomes tarnished from exposure to the air, your hands and the environment. If a brass object is left outside or is exposed to natural sunlight, the UV rays can also cause it to change color. The brass goes from its naturally bright color to a darker shade that looks dirty, dingy or even streaky. Restoring antique brass typically involves removing the tarnish from the brass finish, which makes it look bright and shiny again.

• 1

  Wash the brass in a solution of warm water, with a few drops of dish soap mixed into the water. Dunk the brass into the solution and rub with a damp towel. Remove the brass from the mixture and dry with a soft cloth.

• 2

  Combine the lemon juice, essential oil and cream of tartar in a small bowl until it forms a thick paste. Apply the mixture directly to the brass surface, rubbing it into the brass. Once the paste dries, rinse with warm water and then gently buff the brass dry with a soft cloth.

• 3

  Mix the distilled white vinegar, salt and orange essential oil. Add enough flour to make a thick paste. Rub the mixture onto the brass and let dry. Rinse the paste off the brass with more warm water and check for any signs of tarnish left behind. Repeat if needed.

• 4

  Coat the brass with a light sheen of olive oil and rub onto the surface. The olive oil protects the brass and makes it look shiny again. Keep polishing the brass with the olive oil, reaching any engraved or decorated areas of the brass. Lightly wipe down the brass with paper towels, to remove the excess olive oil.

• 5

  Wipe down the brass with linseed oil on a soft cloth to quickly clean the surface thereafter. Linseed oil coats the brass and protects it from the environment, preventing tarnishing. Wipe down the brass whenever you notice signs of tarnish on the piece.