Polishing pewter, help.

Invicta

Sr Member

• Jan 10, 2010

• #1

My wife bought me the Death's brooch from the Discworld Hogfather movie but it's quite dull and I was wondering if it could be polished up.

I killed my Dremel a few months back and haven't got a replacement yet. Is there a paste or compound I can hand polish pewter with?

As always...Thanks!

 

Last edited by a moderator: Nov 9, 2018

gunnerk19

Master Member

• Jan 10, 2010

• #2

Maintaining pewter here...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Dont-Ruin-Your-Pewter&id=109816

All pewter pieces I've seen have a semi-dull finish, and I'm assuming that as good as it looks new is as good as it gets, and any attempt with chemical agents to shine it up will end badly or damage the item outright...

 

replicaprops

Official Licensee

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Jan 10, 2010

• #3

The best way is to use a brass bullet case tumbler. It will bring out a mirror finish. Most people who reload bullets will have one in their garage. A handy thing to have around if you find one on evilbay

 

fuelish

Sr Member

• Jan 10, 2010

• #4

I have never tried it on pewter but I use Flitz and Simichrome on brass, copper, silver, nickel, etc. It works great for hand polishing

 

g05ty

Active Member

• Jan 10, 2010

• #5

you could try an alloy polish intended for automotive use i used to use stuff called autosol and it worked well on pewter tankards.

 

kimncris

Sr Member

• Jan 13, 2010

• #6

be careful if you don't know the exact metal. I melted a cast piece one time using a machine polisher. Polishing can generate a bit of heat :cool

 

darthinvictus

Well-Known Member

• Jan 13, 2010

• #7

A cheapo rock tumbler with steel shot should work.

 

Lear60man

Master Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Jan 13, 2010

• #8

While your waiting for your rock tumbler.......grab some Crest toothpaste and a cotton rag. Works well on my wings when i'm in a pinch and cant find Brasso.

 

TridCloudwalker

Sr Member

RPF PREMIUM MEMBER

• Jan 13, 2010

• #9

If you don't have the stuff to polish it yourself, you can send it my way. I used to clean and polish pewter for a living. I'd be happy to shine it up for ya. I can do a general pewtery shine or give you a near mirror polish.

 

Invicta

Sr Member

• Jan 18, 2010

• #10

**Repeat post, as the first one disappeared**

Thanks for the replies and advice everyone.

To be honest I've decided to leave it as it came from the supplier. I e-mailed Bernard the guy who cast them about polishing and he said although it can be done he doesn't recommend it.

Cheers everyone :thumbsup