Without a doubt, brass is making a comeback. Brass, often regarded as a dated material found only on vintage lamps, bed frames, and figurines has reemerged as fashionable design gold. Brass is employed to convey a distinct vintage vibe this time, giving off a knowing wink. But other times, the appearance of brass furniture is incredibly understated and flawlessly contemporary.
We wholeheartedly recommend brass as a fantastic, eye-catching, and durable material for a tabletop. Brass table tops must be finished after fabrication because a "mill-finished" brass sheet will leave the "raw" top looking spotty and unfinished. Because the fabricator must perform this finishing work without access to factory-scale equipment, the range of finishes is constrained. Below is a diagram of the three available finishes.
It's essential to understand the characteristics of brass table tops and that they can scratch, mark, and deteriorate when choosing one.
BRASS CAFE TABLETOP TYPES
It's essential to understand the characteristics of brass table tops and that they can scratch, mark, and deteriorate when choosing one.
Mirror-Polished Brass
Natural brass fashioned into a tabletop and then meticulously and consistently buff/polished to produce an extremely shiny, reflective surface is known as mirror-polished brass. There is always a (very) tiny grain running the sheet length in mirror-polished brass.
Table tops made of mirror-polished brass are not waxed or lacquered because this would obstruct the mirror's reflection.
The highly polished appearance must be repolished with Brasso/Bio-mex regularly to maintain it (we have been told that lemon juice helps). Some eateries will carry out this action every day.
It's crucial to remember that on such clean, polished surfaces, scuffs and scratches stand out dramatically.
Satin Brass
A natural brass top is meticulously and continuously sanded to produce satin brass, also known as matt brass.
The deep tone of satin brass is frequently highlighted by sealing it with a beeswax finish. It slows down the patination process without stopping the metal from doing so naturally.
Additionally, satin brass can be coated to preserve its original appearance. We refrain from lacquering brass tops because of the vulnerability of lacquer to harm, such as scratching, which can't be easily fixed.
Scuffs and scratches on satin brass will be visible plainly, though possibly less so than on tops with a mirror finish, which may add to the patina more appropriately.
Aged Brass
Aged Brass is a more "antique" finish that applies chemicals and acids to the brass surface after it has been built but before it is waxed or lacquered. The hand-applied finish colour and pattern will differ, making the tops look similar to one another but not identical.
To provide protection, aged brass is typically coated with a beeswax finish. It slows the patination process but doesn't stop the metal from acquiring more patina.
Additionally, aged brass can be coated to preserve its original appearance. We refrain from lacquering brass tops because of the vulnerability of lacquer to harm, such as scratching, which can't be easily fixed.
Brushed Brass
As the name implies, brushed brass has a directed grain produced after the production process when it is "brushed" by a large machine.
HOW TO TELL IF IT'S REAL BASS
Although brass is currently in vogue, not everything that resembles brass is genuine. It could be made of metal or steel with brass covering. Although a metal (mostly an alloy of zinc and copper), brass is not magnetic; hence, if a refrigerator magnet is applied, it is not brass.
HOW BRASS AGES WITH USAGE
When subjected to air or acidic/alkaline substances, metal surfaces quickly tarnish, leaving a unique matt layer or "patina." The patina develops over time and interacts with other materials, such as liquids to produce a distinctive appearance.
HOW TO POLISH BRASS FURNITURE LIKE A PRO
From vases and lamps to coffee tables and flatware, brass is everywhere. While brass is fashionable, tarnish is not. Knowing how to clean brass is essential to keep all of your brass objects shining.
Find Out If It's Lacquered
The lacquer-related condition of your brass can be ascertained fairly simply as follows: Brass that has already started to tarnish has most likely not been coated.
Identify if Brass or Brass-Plated
It is easy to determine whether something is entirely brass: Put a magnet on top. It's brass if it doesn't stick. If the object is brass-plated, all that is required to clean it is warm water and soap if it does happen to stick. Polishing is unnecessary on items that are simply brass-plated and could even chip the plating off. For this reason, before starting any brass cleaning projects, it's crucial to determine whether the brass is made of brass or merely a plate.
Polish Regularly
Utilize a brass-specific polish to get rid of discolouration. Apply it utilising a soft cleaning cloth as directed on the bottle. Experts suggest using very fine steel wool to rub in polish, but don't use any steel wool thicker than grade 00 to prevent damaging the surface. Additionally, it would be best to always clean the brass before polishing it. Mix warm water and mild dishwashing liquid are all you need. Apply soapy water with a soft, damp cloth and wipe the surface until all dirt, dust, and debris are removed.
CLEANING A BRASS CAFE TABLE AND OTHER BRASS FURNITURE WITH HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Your beloved brass accessories could tarnish or corrode over time due to exposure to water, oxygen, and other elements. Fortunately, there are a lot of quick and easy techniques to restore the brilliance to your brass. Hardware, doorknobs, decorative items, and more can all be given a new shine with a few simple household items and your time. Make sure, though, that whatever you're polishing is made of brass before you start cleaning it. A piece need not be pure brass just because it resembles brass. Many things only have brass plating. Thus various cleaning techniques might harm them. If you're uncertain, try this quick test: Use a magnet to test the metal; if it sticks, it's not genuine brass.
Check to verify if the brass has been coated before you begin cleaning your brass object. A thin, lustrous coating called lacquer serves as a tarnish-prevention measure. Unfortunately, most cleaning techniques will harm lacquered brass; therefore, taking the thing to an expert is your best course of action.
Consider having the brass piece professionally cleaned if you are unsure or if the object you are attempting to clean is expensive. Additionally, you should be aware of the kind of accumulation, dirt, or stain you are dealing with. Always do a small, discrete test area before using the cleaning technique. Try multiple different cleaning techniques on the same stain to remove tough stains. Make sure to finish each one before going on to the next process.
Clean a Brass Furniture with Ketchup
Who would have thought you could use your preferred burger topping to clean brass? Old brass can be easily and inexpensively revived by using ketchup, which is made of tomatoes, spices, and vinegar. Just the condiment and a couple of clean rags are needed for this easy cleaning trick. To begin, squirt a small bit of ketchup onto the brass in a discrete area, like the bottom. After allowing it to sit for a few seconds, wipe it off with a moist cloth. Repeat on the remaining brass piece if it goes well. Thoroughly rinse, then pat dry with a fresh cloth.
Clean a Brass Furniture with Vinegar
This brass cleaning technique uses three everyday objects. Combine the abrasive force of salt, the corrosive acidity of the vinegar, and the thickening power of all-purpose flour to remove stubborn stains. Add one teaspoon salt and 1/2 cup vinegar to a medium bowl. After mixing for several minutes, the salt ought to dissolve. Then, add enough flour (approximately two tablespoons) to make a paste. After applying the paste to your brass object, please wait 10 minutes for it to cure. Please rinse bass, spot cleaned, and completely dry with a clean towel.
Clean a Brass Furniture with Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
Even while baking soda and lemon juice are potent natural cleaners on their own, they effortlessly remove brass buildup when combined. Start by pouring half a lemon juice into a bowl. Mix with one teaspoon of baking soda. Apply some of the solution onto the brass using a clean cloth. When necessary, reapply the mixture as you polish and buff away dirt. Any lingering debris should be removed with a moist towel, then dried with a fresh one.
Editor's Tip: Use this technique on brass objects like doorknobs and knockers that are difficult to soak. Without removing any hardware, you may restore the gloss.
Clean a Brass Furniture with Soap and Water
Use water and soap to clean tarnished brass if you are low on cleaning products. The most efficient brass cleaning techniques are occasionally the easiest ones. Prepare a warm bath for your pet in a clean container and add a couple of tablespoons of soap. After briefly soaking the brass, you can remove any stains with a soft microfiber or fresh toothbrush. Although the soap and warm water will help with part of the job, this method may still call for some hard work! Remove the brass object from the soapy water after all of the tarnish has been removed. Rinse it, then dry it using a fresh cloth.
Clean a Brass Furniture with Toothpaste
You can also use the same cleansing power of toothpaste to polish brass. Choose a normal, white toothpaste first (you don't need any gels or special flavours) to clean brass with toothpaste. Then, dab your brass object lightly with the paste. After a brief period of relaxation, polish with a fresh towel. You'll probably need to exert a little more effort in difficult areas. Feel free to use more toothpaste on spots that are very difficult to remove. Rinse the brass with cool water after polishing it to your preference, and then pat it dry with a microfiber cloth.
CAFE TABLE OR COFFEE TABLE BUYING GUIDE
The coffee table is a staple of living rooms everywhere, whether in suburban mansions, studio flats, townhouses, or country residences. Its popularity and online shopping growth have swamped the coffee table market. This number of options has been a godsend for some and a curse for others. The search for the ideal fit is now simpler and more difficult than ever.
Size
Coffee tables come in different sizes, and how big one you need will vary depending on the size of your living room and how your furniture is arranged there. Think about these three general guidelines: Choose a table that is, at most, slightly shorter than the height of your sofa cushions, no longer than two-thirds the length of your sofa, and with two feet of space around each side.
Shape
Rectangular coffee tables are the standard shape, and they certainly need their trademark because of their well-known proportions. In actuality, this shape provides the basis for countless variations in furniture design, of which the table surface is only one. Rectangular coffee tables are often a good choice, but remember to consider your intended use. A circular or oval coffee table can be something to take into consideration if you frequently host visitors. Round furniture pieces are typically more effective at bringing people together and are safer to move about. Square coffee tables are excellent at bringing together facing sitting arrangements that could otherwise appear overly dispersed. Additionally, they offer a fantastic focal contrast in living spaces where rectangles predominate.
Support
More than that, the coffee table's surface is involved in shape. Consider your surroundings, particularly in terms of comfort, convenience, and focus. You might want a support system that will go well with the preferred placement of your feet if you intend to spend extended periods sitting close to your coffee table. If you have children, dogs, a lot of foot traffic, or a propensity to trip over your toes, you might choose a table with somewhat recessed leg support. Finally, you might want something with leg support on the bulky side if your coffee table could support a Thanksgiving turkey buffet with all the fixings or a centerpiece made of a 50-pound geode and petrified tree stump. On the other hand, if you want to show off your lindy hop or throw down in a game of Twister, it's far simpler to clear the floor with a lightweight coffee table.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Brass furnishings like a brass cafe table can give your home a sleek contemporary appearance. Check out what Sweet Pea Interiors offers for your home and any space.
