"Andy Dingley" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 25 May 2005 21:17:04 GMT, wrote:

When refinishing an antique would it be better to leave the tranished
darkened brasses as is or to bring them back to their shiny condition?

Depends on the condition and whether they really need it. In general,
leave them alone. If you do _have_to_ clean them, then they may need to
be re-patinated afterwards.

I usually polish them out as they were originally besides being a usable
addition also used to dress upthe piece .If this were not the case then why
are so many so fancy.

I say polish them out and do not laquer them let them tarnish normally . By
the way there is very little if any patination on the brasses compared to
the wooden areas ......mjh