Question: I just came into proud possession of some nearly 100 year old arts and crafts copper candlesticks and various copper and bronze bowls. Of course, I do NOT want to lose any of the original patina that has rendered over time, but the pieces are a bit dull and could, I feel, use appropriate cleaning and preservation. Is there a product(s) designed for non-destructive beautification of these old metal objects?
Antique metals develop a certain look over time due to patina and oxidization. With arts and crafts metals, they often began as an “antique” look as opposed to a bright, shiny metal when they were originally created. It was the style in those times, to have pieces that were tarnished and “old” looking. As time has passed, the color may have changed slightly, such as getting darker, but it would be detrimental to the value to try to alter the color in any way. Below is a simple cleaning method to remove dust and dirt that will not damage the look of the piece and should not affect the value. It is not recommended that you put any special products on the piece as it could alter it and decrease the value. For preservation of old metal pieces, it is always best to consult with a professional who can look at the individual pieces to determine how they may react.
Cleaning Antiques
A simple cleaning with mild soap and water will remove the dirt without removing tarnish or patinas that have formed over time.
You Will Need:
- Mild soap
- Water
- Soft cloths
- Dish or bucket
The Cleaning Process:
- Begin by mixing a small amount of mild soap with water in a small dish or bucket.
- Moisten the cloth with a small amount of the mixture and gently wipe away any dirt and dust from the piece.
- When the entire piece has been wiped down, gently rinse with clean water.
- Dry immediately. Allowing water to set on the piece may affect the oxidation and leave marks.
- Do not apply any special coatings or cleaners to the piece without the recommendation from a professional who is experienced with antiques.
Additional Tips and Ideas
- Antiques will quickly lose their value if the original tarnish or patina is altered or removed. Avoid using any special cleaners other than a mild soap and water to ensure that they remain untouched.
- If the dust and dirt isn’t bothersome, it’s really best to leave the pieces completely alone.
I find it stupid to keep a beautiful piece looking decrepit. I have a 400 year old Chinese bronze vase that I need to clean. I very much doubt that the original craftsman that made it would have wanted it looking faded and dirty and stained! He would have wanted it to look new, forever.
Blue Ape,
If you don’t care about retaining the value that collectors appreciate and pay for then go right ahead and clean the vase.
BE WARNED though!
Cleaning can reduce the value by 90%!! But if you really don’t care about turning a $5000 piece into a $500 one that’s your prerogative. Some pieces even that old were intended to have both shiny and patina’d surfaces for effect. I suggest finding out first what the piece is worth before destroying possible value!
Hello, I recently bought 2 guardian lions. My husband wants to get them clean and shiny, and he does not care about the price of them because he wants to keep them.
He cleaned one of them with comet and three other chemicals, and it looked like a white-ish color on the surface, so now he is applying “stainsteel” polisher.
I don’t know if it’ll work, or the chemicals in the “stainsteel” will damage the metal. Would you have any comments about this procedure of getting the pieces clean and shiny?
I have about 60 or so peices of antique copper some from ancient persia ( B.C.), it really ticks me off when I find a peice that has been cleaned to the point of the patina being removed, and as a serious collector won’t pay very much for the peice that has been ruined by the person that cleaned it in ignorance. But I will still buy it to remove it from ignorant hands if they will sell it cheap enough. It takes many many years to get a good patina back but it will never again get the true age look back once it’s been removed.
I have a life-sized bronze of a Boxer dog that now has green streaks on the patina caused by my old dog Bailee (now deceased). In his declining years he would lift his leg on my beloved bronze. What should I do? To clean or not to clean, that’s my dilemma. This piece will never be sold by me, so value isn’t in play here. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.