| ody"> | | | | green patina, yet people do tend to polish their |
| Caring for your antique metal items requires | | | | copper cookware. A timeless homemade remedy |
| know-how. Each metal has its own particular | | | | continues to be a popular cleaning method. Sprinkle |
| characteristics and requires its own brand of tender | | | | the item with coarse salt and use a half of a lemon |
| loving care. | | | | to scour until clean. |
| Brass | | | | Gold |
| Brass is commonly found on decorative items, | | | | Gilt is often applied as a decorative element to |
| hardware and fixtures. Avoid cleaning with acids such | | | | furniture and is found in antique jewelry. Gilt and |
| as vinegar or lemon. The acid is too harsh. Likewise, | | | | plating found on furniture are very delicate, so gently |
| avoid ammonia- based products such glass cleaners. | | | | dust with a very soft brush. Pure gold doesn't tarnish. |
| A coat of clear lacquer is often applied to brass to | | | | But impurities in hard water might discolor gold, so |
| prevent tarnish. A coat of paste wax will slow tarnish. | | | | make sure that any gold that gets wet is thoroughly |
| But antique brass should not be polished because the | | | | dried. |
| patina that develops over time is desirable. | | | | Pewter |
| Bronze | | | | Pewter is found in serving and decorative items. |
| Sculptures, lamp bases, fixtures are sometimes made | | | | Vintage pewter was made of a soft mixture of tin |
| of bronze. There is good news with this metal. The | | | | and lead and is more delicate than modern pewter. |
| less you do the better. The patina that comes with | | | | Using a light hand is your best course of action with |
| aging on bronze is desirable. So, don't do anything | | | | any pewter. A light dusting and good washing with |
| beyond a light dusting to maintain any of your bronze | | | | soap and water is all pewter needs. It does not buff |
| items. | | | | up to a bright shine. |
| Cast-Iron | | | | Silver |
| Cast-iron is a metal of choice for fireplace | | | | Sterling and silver plate is commonly used in flatware, |
| accessories, cookware and garden accessories. | | | | serving items and vintage jewelry. Buff with a silver |
| Cast-iron that has become wet should be thoroughly | | | | polish as needed. The more you use your silver |
| dried as it will rust. A coating of oil, wax or paint can | | | | flatware, the less polishing it needs. In a pinch, |
| prevent rust. You can use a small knife to remove | | | | toothpaste makes a good cleaner. Store silver in |
| small rust spots. Avoid submerging in water any | | | | silversmith cloth bags. |
| cast-iron cookware as it is often seasoned. Don't | | | | Tin |
| scrub this off. It is desirable. | | | | Tin is found in decorative items and kitchenware. |
| Copper | | | | Vintage tin might be gray. Don't try to buff it away. |
| Copper is a popular metal used for home and garden | | | | The tarnish protects the tin. Dry thoroughly because |
| decorative ware and cookware. For your outdoor | | | | any moisture remaining could cause rusting. |
| copperware: left untended it develops an appealing | | | | |