Q&A brass fireplace that has become pitted

Question:

I have a brass fireplace that has become pitted and stained and I'm trying to find out what can be done to refinish.



Answer:

Depends. If it was solid brass, it might be possible to restore it. You'd have to try some of the commercial brass cleaners and restorers available at your local hardware store.

One problem is that many brass fireplace parts are lacquered. This keeps them from discoloring, but it can be difficult to apply...ask your hardware guy.

If the parts are brass-plated, the problem can be worse. The pitting may already be though the thin plating material. In this case, there is little you can do to improve the situation.

To see if it is plated, try a magnet...real brass is not magnetic, while the steel below brass plating should attract your magnet.