Lacquered or not?
Dab a hidden spot with a little acetone on a cotton bud. If it comes away yellow and sticky, the lamp is lacquered — polish will do nothing except damage the coating.
Unlacquered brass
A soft cloth and a light wax is enough for most pieces. Aggressive polishing removes metal and, on plated lamps, can cut through to the base metal permanently.
Patina is value
Collectors pay for honest age. Before you polish an inherited lamp, get an opinion — we will tell you for free whether cleaning will help or hurt it.
When to hand it to a professional
Anything involving heat damage, exposed conductors, tripped breakers or ladder work over a stairwell belongs on a workbench or with a technician on site. Philliparo Co. handles all of it from our Allen workshop — see our services or call (972) 798-3761.
More guides
- 7 Signs Your Lamp Needs Rewiring
- How to Choose the Right Lamp Shade
- Home Lamp Safety Checklist
- LED vs Incandescent for Older Lamps
- How to Clean a Crystal Chandelier Safely
- What Lamp Repair Costs in North Texas
- Troubleshooting a Three-Way Lamp
- How to Prepare a Lamp for Drop-Off
- Restoring Mid-Century Modern Lighting
Ready to bring your lamp back to life?
Call now for a straight answer and an honest quote, or send us a few photos and we will tell you what the repair involves.