How to Polish Brass Beds Properly

If you want to know how to polish brass beds properly, it would be good to know that the activity will depend on the condition of your brass bed. Relatively, new surfaces that are coated with lacquer to protect the shine will last longer than most and do not require frequent polishing. A moist, soft cloth is enough to clean the lacquered brass bed; however, those without lacquer may inhibit a lot of corrosion and dirt on the surface. Age and neglect are the mortal enemies of brass and it would be best to regularly clean and polish the brass surface at least once a week to help preserve the beauty and luster of the surface.

With that being said, if frequent polishing presents a major hassle to your tight schedule, then applying a coat of lacquer after cleaning the brass bed is the perfect alternative. Think of it as the equivalent of car polish--it will protect the surface against minor abrasions and corrosion while preserving the brand new shine. Polishing brass beds is easy and requires minimal elbow grease.

Materials Needed:

• Brass polish or metal polish
• Terry cotton rag (lots of them)
• Sweet oil (any oil such as almond or apricot will do)
• Clear lacquer or varnish
• Lacquer remover or stripping agent (optional)

• Small paintbrush (optional)

Step 1 – Assess the Condition of the Brass Bed

Scrutinize the entire surface of the brass bed and carefully assess the condition of the metal. Old or antique brass beds should be cleaned regularly. If the brass bed is in relatively good condition then only a minimal amount of cleaning is required. If your brass bed has old layers of lacquer then it would be best to strip the coating first before polishing. Use a lacquer stripping agent to remove all traces of the clear coating.

Step 2 – Apply Brass Polish

Apply a small amount of brass polish on a clean terry cotton rag and rub against the brass surface. When the cloth turns black, replace the rag or use a cleaner part of the rag to polish the brass surface. Highly oxidized brass beds may need to be treated with a citric acid-based cleaner to clean tarnished surfaces thoroughly prior to polishing. Pay special attention on tight corners of the frame. Use a separate terry cotton rag to buff the finish after applying metal polish.

Step 3 – Apply Sweet Oil

Use a clean terry cotton rag to apply a small amount of sweet oil to the brass bed. Rub the entire brass surface thoroughly to concentrate the moisturizing effects of the oil. This will give the brass bed a new dimension in shine and depth. Use a separate cotton rag to lightly buff the surface and bring out the natural shine. This step is also ideal for new brass surfaces as well and can help protect against future contamination and tarnish. Apply sweet oil at least once a week to preserve the finish.

Step 4 – Apply Lacquer

Use a small paintbrush to apply a thin coat of lacquer to the entire surface of the brass bed. Doing this will negate the need for frequent polishing. Let dry according to the directions stated on the bottle or can.

Polishing brass beds is a worthwhile activity that will add luster and sparkle to your bedroom. Remember to always work in a well ventilated area and use a face mask and gloves to protect yourself from harmful fumes and chemical agents.