Bar Keepers Friend is My Friend Too!

 With so many projects yet to be completed in the house (and so little project money) I am trying to concentrate on low cost/no cost projects these days.  The other day I finally tackled cleaning my Indian brass lamp [which was scored for just $5!!] and the transformation is astonishing!

The funny thing is that I never considered trying to shine it up (or even clean it for the 9 months I had it) until I saw this picture.   After that I was psyched at this lamps potential and was motivated to start scrubbing. 

First things first. The dated oak base will be coming off.  There are two small brass screws so, that should be an easy fix.  It does nothing for this beauty ...except maybe prevent scratches on the table-ha.  Does practicality need to be so ugly? 

I was going to buy some Brasso until I remembered I had a can of Bar Keepers Friend which I originally bought for my stainless pots & pans. 

 A big thanks to my sis for working up a sweat shinning one pan and proving it does in fact work. (Unfortunately I didn't follow through and clean the rest of them)  I am happy to say that there was absolutely no muscle required in cleaning the brass lamp with BKF.  As a matter of fact, I made a little paste and spread it on the lamp with my fingers and immediately saw years of grime start to fade away. 

I rubbed my finger on one area and when I saw the "real" color peaking through I got so excited.  I had struck gold (er..brass) on this bargain.

Because of all the carvings, I went over the whole lamp with a little scrub brush before wiping it down with a damp cloth.  Are you ready for this?

 

I know,  you can pick your jaw up now.  It's unbelievable, right?  

Here is a side by side look at the before and after:

What do you think?  Have you guys brought anything back to life with Bar Keepers Friend?

Now, if I can just get that perfect 17" black tall lamp shade.  Craigslist/thrifting don't fail me now!