Fireplace Metal?

[OlyBobs]

Hi there,

Ive been trying to figure out what metal our fireplace is made from in order that I can clean it properly. It has a definite bronzy colour to it which is confusing me. I tried a small amount of Brasso on a tiny area and it appeared to change to being more of a grey/steel colour! Does anyone have any thoughts? (By the way I tested it with a magnet and found magnets do stick to it)

Untitled

• OlyBobs
• 7 Nov 2011
• 1

Untitled

• OlyBobs
• 7 Nov 2011
• 1

[/img]

 

[Lower]

It'll be cast iron.

The bronzy tint will either be some sort of applied finish or a light haze of rust.

 

[OlyBobs]

Ok thanks for your help. Im beginning to think the bronzy colour is just a light rust! Will find out when I clean it I suppose! Cheers

 

[Nige F]

It is light rust ! mine is the same be careful of those intricate bits with metal polish , it might leave a white deposit . Better to use a wire bush / wirewool. Your fireplace looks like an original - mine`s just a repro. You could give it a go with grate polish which used to be called Black Lead and Zebo was a brand name for it , there are modern versions

 

[OlyBobs]

Thanks Nige. Yes I believe it's from when the house was built about 1903. Appreciate your advice, will do as you mentioned. Cheers

 

[Symptoms]

Zebo (used to be called Zebright) is still available ... from Tesco or Sainsbury (I can't remember which one I saw it in). Yep, the bronze pattina is a light surface rust so when you clean the jobbie up the highspots will shine as burnished steel - as they should do.

Tip: apply the Zebo with a softish nail brush or an old black boot polish brush with a 'brushing action', then buff-up with a cloth. Wear plakka gloves and spread newspaper on the hearth & carpet to catch any flicks of Zebo. Don't apply too much welly to the brush and don't bother attempting to burnish the low spots with the cloth as the Zebo will leave these a contrasting black to the steel colour.