How to Refurbish a Brass Bed

Determine the amount of damage on the brass bed. Look for tarnish. A bed may be black with tarnish or lightly tarnished in spots. Inspect the bed for dents and scratches. Examine it for degrees of rust and corrosion. Decide if the bed simply needs a good cleaning.

Clean the bed. Wipe off loose dust, dirt and cobwebs. Apply a commercial brass cleaner to the bed with a clean cloth, then wipe a small area of the bed clean before moving on to the next area. Replace the cloth when it becomes soiled. When the bed is tarnish-free, wipe it with a cloth to remove any leftover cleaner. Brass cleaners like Everbrite can be purchased at most hardware stores; or try one that is homemade. Make a paste by combining cream of tartar and lemon juice or mix a pint of vinegar with three Tbps. of salt and add enough flour to make a paste.

Remove the finish. Put the bed in a well-ventilated area or outside. Following the manufacturer's directions, use a commercial stripping compound to take off the bed's finish. Wipe the bed with a clean cloth to remove all the stripper. Use toothpicks or an old toothbrush to reach tight places like trim or scrollwork.

Polish the brass. Apply a commercially manufactured polish like Brasso to a clean cloth. Rub the polish onto the bed and clean one area at a time. As you work, replace soiled cloths with clean ones. If you want your bed to gleam, give it a good buffing. If you prefer a softer look, don't rub as hard.

Protect the bed from rust and tarnish by brushing on a light, even coat of lacquer.