FAQ: How to polish vintage brass, silver, silver plate and pewter

Caring for vintage metalware is simpler than it might seem, and a gentle approach will always give the best results. For vintage brass, I recommend using a proper brass polish like Brasso and a soft cloth, working in light layers rather than over-polishing. It’s worth knowing that when brass is polished, it can lose some of its deeper, aged golden tone and sometimes appear slightly more silvery, so I often leave a little patina where I can - it adds so much character. I would also avoid popular “cleaning hacks” like ketchup, as these can strip the surface and even leave brass looking more copper in tone.

For silver and silver plate, a dedicated silver polish is always the safest and most effective option. If you’re cleaning vintage silver trays, cutlery or decorative pieces, a gentle polish will remove tarnish and restore shine without damaging the surface. With silver plated items, it’s especially important to be careful, as the plated layer is thinner and can wear over time if overworked.

Pewter is much softer in appearance and doesn’t need polishing in the same way. I usually clean vintage pewter with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoiding anything abrasive that might scratch the surface. In general, I always think it’s best to avoid quick-fix cleaning methods on special vintage pieces. While they might promise instant results, they can cause long-term damage.

For vintage copper pieces, like copper moulds, trays and kitchenware, I usually recommend a dedicated copper polish applied with a soft cloth to gently restore the surface. Copper naturally develops a darker patina over time, which I personally love, but if you prefer a brighter finish, polishing will bring back that glow. As with brass, I’d avoid harsh cleaning hacks or acidic shortcuts, especially on decorative or collectible pieces, as they can damage the surface and affect the overall tone.

Whether you’re caring for brass candlesticks, silver trays, pewter objects or copper moulds, the goal isn’t to make them look brand new. A light touch will keep your vintage metal homeware looking beautifully maintained while still preserving the depth and character that makes each piece special.