Ask Martha: How to clean brass

Brass is back. With the appetite for nickel and chromium to its saturation point, brass is back at the top of the design world.

With renewed interest, traditional design boutiques and specialty shops now have brass wares securities. Metal, an alloy of copper and zinc, is high. Not rust, can be forged in various forms and is relatively inexpensive.

In contrast to constantly shiny lacquered brass that was popular in the 70s and 80s, most of the pieces are hanging leave now. You may need occasional polishing, but the goal is not dazzling brilliance. Brass is getting on in years acceptable and desirable.

"This is the patina that makes it beautiful," says Kevin Sharkey designer decor. "Brass is timeless, warm and welcoming."

Cleaning Tips: not Forget not found, brass, as it seems to fix blackened. "Removing tarnish, Gold to discover," Sharkey said.

For basic maintenance and not overlooked, lacquered brass without the patina, Anthony Cassano metal Greenwich, Stamford, Conn., Recommend the use of tempered polished materials, such as Cape Rags (Cod Metal Polishing 20 $ 12 capecodpolish.com ). Strengthening of abrasives, more like Brasso ($ 3 per 8 ounces homedepot.com ) are best used in heavily rusted parts. Test a small area first, Cassano said. Lacquered brass parts are cleaned with a soft mild dish soap and warm water.

Paint Stripping: Worn away paint could be bad reputation of the perpetrators of old brass. The clear coating (paint, epoxy or urethane) retains a shiny surface and eliminates the need for nails, but assumes a uniform, leading to stains on the metal coated parts lubricated. Troubled waters can not be cleaned properly if you get rid of the existing paint. To this end, Cassano recommends using a flux, as Klean-Strip ($ 23 per gallon, homedepot.com ). Remove brush evenly on all kinds of varnish. Contact. A specialist before removing paint parts or valuable

Accelerated patina: To expedite the process, put the item in warm water accelerates the oxidation. Another tip is to place an open field next to traditional latex paint painted metal element in an enclosed area for at least 24 hours. Paint fumes patina process to accelerate.

Brass Storage: Cassano suggests storage to protect copper bowls, dishes or cups in flannel bags as on sterling silver, or paper wrapped in acid-free silk before sealing in plastic bags. Store in the high humidity, and do not use newspaper, he advises, causing the ink acid oxidation.

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