[badswing]

i have two very old copper "pieces" (not sure of the real term) that are atop a bay window. they are black with wear but i believe they are copper. (some typical green areas). can or what could i paint them with? restoration would be more desirable h/e i think it would be too much work! any help? thanks, bs

 

[Matthewt1970]

Copper cleaners will do most of the work for you. Do NOT paint them.

 

[skymaster]

If those pcs are actual antiques and you value them DO NOT TOUCH em.
If you mess with them they will most likely lose almost all of their value.
If you dont care then Noxon will clean em up. So will Brasso

 

[RDS]

I second the advice not to paint them. Previous owners painted the copper roofs over my bay windows, but the paint did not stick well, peeled up and looked ugly, and it took me most of a summer to remove it VERY carefully.

 

[badswing]

restoring

i have tried to restore with various cleaners to no avail. does one work the best?

 

[drtbk4ever]

In case you didn't read all the replies to your question, here is the answer again.

If those pcs are actual antiques and you value them DO NOT TOUCH em.
If you mess with them they will most likely lose almost all of their value.
If you dont care then Noxon will clean em up. So will Brasso

 

[saggdevil]

If you want to try the "eco" or "green" way to clean copper, brass, silver, etc. try smearing ketchup (yes, that tomatoe stuff in a bottle) on it, let set for 5-10 minutes, then take a heavy cloth (old towels work great) and start rubbing. It cleans quite well. If that doesn't do it, Brasso. It'll will clean most metals. I'm not familar with the Noxon.

I just lost 4 of my 6 pieces of antique solid brass hardware on an antique cupboard. Will cost up to $75.00 each to replace them. I've learned the hard way .
Good luck

 

[toocheaptohire]

you can also try a homemade cleaner - mix white vinegar with regular table salt until you get a goopy paste - use this as a rubbing compound with a cloth rag to take off the varnish on the copper pieces. I'm not sure it will work any better than the commercial chemical cleaners, but raiding your pantry to try this won't cost you anything.