Handcrafted in India · Heirloom brass & bronze
Care · 4 min read
How to polish brass, and when to leave it alone.
The single most common question we get. The honest answer is: less often than you would think. Here is how we care for brass at home.
First, decide if you even want to.
Brass darkens over time into a warm, uneven patina, and many people prefer it that way. Before you reach for polish, ask whether you actually want a mirror finish or whether the aged look suits the piece and the room.
For everyday care, a dry cloth is enough.
Most of the time, brass just needs a wipe with a soft, dry cloth to lift dust and fingerprints. That alone keeps it looking cared for.
When you want it to shine.
For a proper polish, use a gentle brass cleaner and a soft cloth, work in small circles, then buff dry. A cut lemon with a little salt works too on unlacquered pieces. Always dry it fully afterwards.
Lacquered pieces need almost nothing.
If a piece has a clear protective lacquer, do not use metal polish on it, as that strips the coating. A damp cloth and then a dry one is all it needs.
Keep water and air in mind.
Standing water and damp speed up tarnish, so dry pieces after use and store them somewhere dry. That is most of the battle.
Looked after gently, a good brass piece outlasts the people who buy it. That is rather the point.
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The Gilded Haveli
Heirloom brass and bronze, sourced from family workshops across Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, made for homes around the world.
Handcrafted in India
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