Cleaning and polishing soft lead metals regularly will help keep these items looking more than they are worth, day in and day out.
Things You Will Need
-
Put on protective gloves and then open a window to let some clean air flow in.
-
Mix 4 tbs. each of whiting and denatured alcohol in an old mixing container. Adjust the amount of mixture as needed to form a paste and then go to Step 4. Follow this step to shine brightly finished leaded pewter; otherwise, to polish soft lead metals with a dull finish, go to Step 3.
-
Mix four tbs. each of powdered pumice with the mineral oil in an old mixing container. Adjust the amount of mixture as needed to form a paste.
-
Apply the paste to the metal in one direction, using a soft, dry cloth.
-
Dip a clean, soft cloth in a bucket of hot, soapy water.
-
Wring out the excess water and wipe clean the pewter metal or other soft metal containing lead.
-
Replace the soapy water in the bucket with warm, clean water and then dip a clean, soft cloth in it.
-
Wring out the cloth to remove any excess water and then wipe the metal clean to remove the soap residue.
-
Use a clean,dry, soft cloth and rub the metal in one direction to polish it. Use a gentle touch and avoid overcleaning or rubbing too hard. If the metal still appears dull, continue.
-
Visit your local hardware store and purchase a soft lead polish formulated for the metal you need to polish.
The Drip Cap
- While metals such as steel can stand up to harsh abrasives, many softer ones, including those that contain lead, cannot.
- Follow this step to shine brightly finished leaded pewter; otherwise, to polish soft lead metals with a dull finish, go to Step 3.
- Use a clean,dry, soft cloth and rub the metal in one direction to polish it.
- If the metal still appears dull, continue.