Careful cleaning will restore your antique light fixture.
An antique light fixture is an exciting flea market find. True antiques can sell for hundreds of dollars through antique stores and dealers. Restoring an antique light fixture almost always involves a thorough cleaning of the fixture. Occasionally, an antique fixture has been coated with layers of paint, varnish or shellac. Removing the top layer of whatever is covering the fixture, without damaging the metal, is the key to restoration.
Instructions
1. Mix one tablespoon of dish washing soap and water in a bucket. Submerge a sponge into the solution and scrub the light fixture to remove as much grime and residue as possible. Dip a toothbrush into the soap and scrub any areas you couldn't reach with the sponge.
2. Apply a 1/4 inch thick coat of paint stripper to any paint on the fixture. Let the paint stripper soften the paint or varnish for 20 minutes. Paint stripper will also remove dirt and residue.
3. Scrub the metal gently with 0000 steel wool to remove any paint, shellac or grime from the surface of the fixture.
4. Dip a sponge into clean water. Wipe away the chemical residue from the fixture. Dry the light fixture with a soft towel.
5. Clean the metal thoroughly with a degreasing cleaner. Dip soft cloths, a toothbrush or cotton swabs into the cleaner. Remove all residues from the fixture.
6. Apply metal polish to the fixture with a soft rag. Choose the metal polish that is appropriate for the metal you are working with. Polish the fixture by rubbing in a circular motion. Remove all of the patina from the fixture.
7. Rub the fixture with a buffing cloth. Use a brisk back and forth motion to bring out a high shine.
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