Lacquer is a coating that protects metal from scratches and rust. Hardware, for example brass handles and knobs, is often coated with lacquer. Before doing any kind of metal antiquing, you will need to work to eliminate the lacquer so you can access it. You can use a solvent and buffing instrument to remove the lacquer and restore its glow.

Soak a clean cloth in lacquer thinner.

Rub the cloth over the metal until the lacquer thinner is still gone. Based on how thick the layer of lacquer thinner is, you may have to resoak the cloth to work off all of the lacquer thinner.

Buff the metal sterile using a handheld rotary tool fitted with a felt polishing cone felt polishing wheel accessory to attain a lustrous finish on the metal.

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