| Brass chandeliers are used everywhere. Hotels, | | | | tarnishing. |
| restaurants, and offices use them. In homes, | | | | If your brass chandelier is tarnished and you |
| brass chandeliers can be found in almost any | | | | haven't used an ammonia-based cleaner, first |
| room. What makes brass chandeliers so popular? | | | | determine whether or not it's solid brass. Try |
| Brass chandeliers have a long history. Before | | | | sticking a magnet on it; if the magnet stays on, |
| electricity, brass chandeliers were used with | | | | your chandelier is made of steel-plated brass. In |
| candles or kerosene. Brass is a sturdy metal with | | | | that case, the tarnish you are seeing is likely rust |
| a long life, making it the perfect metal for the | | | | and can be removed with steel wool. After |
| brass lanterns that used to be placed in homes | | | | removing the rust, your next decision is whether |
| and used as street lights. | | | | to have it re-plated. If you don't want to have it |
| In addition to being a long-lasting metal, brass has | | | | re-plated, you can choose to paint it. |
| the added advantage of requiring little | | | | A solid brass chandelier which has tarnished is |
| maintenance. Brass chandeliers are particularly | | | | relatively easy to clean. First use a brass cleaner |
| appropriate in coastal areas where corrosion is a | | | | to get the tarnish off. Once it has been removed, |
| problem because by nature it is anti-corrosive. | | | | follow up with clear lacquer spray paint. |
| Two types of finishes are usually available for | | | | When purchasing a brass chandelier, remember |
| brass chandeliers: highly polished and antique | | | | that it is not intended as a main light source. |
| polished . A highly polished finish, as the name | | | | Chandeliers are hung for the elegance and grace |
| suggests, makes the brass look bright and | | | | they add to almost any room. Brass chandeliers |
| polished. Antique polishing gives an older | | | | come in many sizes, so they are appropriate |
| appearance that some find very elegant. | | | | anywhere. |
| Periodically dusting with a soft, dry cloth is the | | | | There are many types of chandeliers available to |
| key to maintaining your brass chandelier. If it gets | | | | add grace to your home or business. If you are in |
| dirty enough to need a more intense cleaning, use | | | | the market for one, remember the long life and |
| a gentle dish soap and warm water to clean it. | | | | easy maintenance of brass chandeliers. You'll be |
| Don't forget to dry after washing. Do not use an | | | | glad you did. |
| ammonia-based cleaner because this will cause | | | | |