The world we live in can be fulfilling but also very dangerous. We need to constantly look over our shoulders to ensure our safety and the safety of those we love. This safety translates to economic safety too and not just physical. Most of the products we see in the market today may be fake. This means that we might be deceived into buying something that is not what we perceive it to be. Thus, we should all resolve to be very careful when shopping. Most people are unable to differentiate between metals in certain products. Let us see how you can identify a product made of brass.

Some of the items we identify as brass are plated. This gets the better of most buyers as they are not aware of how to differentiate solid brass from plated ones. The difference can be shown using a magnet. If you hold a magnet close to the item you are enquiring about and feel a pull, then the piece is brass plated. If no pull is felt, then you can be certain it is solid brass. The pull occurs due to the underlying metal which is usually steel or iron. Get the best chandeliers made out of pure brass to light up your home from lightupmyhome.com at affordable prices.

Antique Brass: Features

Antique brass is normally seen in candlesticks, lamps, and musical instruments, just to mention but a few. Identifying it can also be difficult. Brass may also be lacquered to prevent tarnishing. It can also be painted to alter its style. Storage is also a factor that can affect its appearance.

• Red to Yellow Color

Brass is an alloy. An alloy simply put, is an item made up of more than one metal. Zinc and copper are the two metals when combined produce brass. No formula is used to produce the alloy. There are no specific amounts of zinc or copper to form the brass. But if the brass is to be used in an area where strength is highly needed then more zinc is used in its formation. This makes it have a yellow tone when polished. When used in decorative places, less zinc is used. This makes it have a reddish tone.

• Tarnishing

Tarnishing is normal for antique brass. Cleaning it regularly is the only remedy to this. Tarnishing can also be referred to as oxidizing. This is a reaction that occurs hence changing its look. The brass reacts with the oxygen in the atmosphere and skin oils when touched to tarnish it. Over time, uncontrolled tarnishing can cover the whole item with a dark coating. You can also lacquer it to prevent tarnishing. Lacquer is a liquid dissolved in alcohol or synthetic substances that dries on metal to form a hard protective coating. However, the lacquer wears off over time and uneven tarnishing can occur.

• Maker’s Signature

Some antique brass pieces have the maker’s signature on them. This helps to identify the time and location of construction. They are normally found at the piece bottoms or backs.

Modern Antique Finishes

Some brass pieces are modern but have antique finishes. How can you tell if this is the case? Look for signs of wear. Be keen to notice any out-of-the-ordinary mark or feel. In most cases, a consistent surface and signs of recent machine activity indicate an antique finish.

I hope this article helps you in choosing an amazing brass chandelier for your home. No need to ask “how can I light up my home anymore while getting stressed.” Visit lightupmyhome.com to get the best chandeliers in the market today.