Should antiques be polished?
The answer to this question is yes, no and a very definite maybe.
Still confused, then join the majority of people including many antique dealers and experts who will talk for hours on this subject – longer still if you buy them a beer or two!!!!!!!
Many dealers will advise you not to polish based largely on the fact that it involves too much work and they are too busy or too lazy to polish their items, so in the words of the bard himself,
To polish or not to polish – that is the question
In truth there is no real definitive answer to this question, since personal choice, tradition and so on will influence the decision.
In general I recommend restoring an article back to its “as used condition”. Some people prefer a shiny surface whilst others do not, so go for what you prefer.
An old piece does not necessarily have to be dull and dirty. Most antique brass, copper and silver came from homes where servants were paid to polish these pieces. Should an item not be polished to a high lustre shine it would inevitably have led to the dismissal of the servant responsible.
How many old soldiers go onto parade with dirty medals?
How many dirty, tarnished items do you see on display in a museum?
If the armed forces and museums keep their items clean, then so should we.
How can one prevent or remove oxidization?
Antiques need to be restored and preserved for future generations to cherish. The aim is to maintain the original or factory delivered condition. Therefore, where applicable they need to be polished carefully, then protected by a museum quality wax and placed into a clean environment, where they will not be handled.
Over-polishing is another issue altogether.
A little grime should always be left in the cracks to show antiquity and allow for accurate dating. Always use the finest metal polish possible when dealing with antiques, and where cleaning is sufficient, that is all that needs to be done. Not too many people will be interested in an old piece of sterling silver, or brass if it is blackened with age and tarnished. Polish it with a quality metal polish and finish it with a good wax. It is as simple as that.
If a piece is going to be restored to its original condition, there is nothing wrong with that, because you are adding to its beauty and its desirability, you will give it eye appeal.
Of course there are items that should not be polished.
Black Pewter is not normally restored.
Bronze is not normally restored.
Old tools in particular, should be restored back to the as used condition and not the original factory delivered condition.
But with copper, if it is left to go green it will slowly erode away. Polish it, wax it, and it will virtually last forever.
"Bronze Disease" also attacks copper. This is seen as small, powdery green spots on the surface of the copper. Mild attacks can usually be polished away but more serious attacks usually need special treatment by a conservator.
Similarly lead and old pewter that has a high lead content reacts with acids in the atmosphere to cause a powdery corrosion or warty spots that should be treated by a specialist.
So whether or not you decide to polish a piece, it should never the less be kept clean.
Wash the complete item in warm soapy water. I use professional restoration soap but washing up liquid can be used but does not give such good results. Tease away the surface grime using a soft brush, cloth etc but avoid domestic steel wool, plastic scouring pads and similar because these will scratch the surface. Rinse and dry.
When the desired surface finish has been achieved, by polishing or otherwise, apply one or more coats of a microcrystalline wax. The wax will help prevent further attack by airborne pollutants and acids from fruit, foods, hands, household cleaners and similar.
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