How to Restore Antique Flip Top Desk Rods

Brass

• 1

  Remove the rod from the desk if possible. Depending on the rod, you may be able to unscrew it with a screwdriver.

• 2

  Saturate a lint-free cloth in a bowl of vinegar and then wipe down the rod. The vinegar will eat away at build-up without damaging the brass. If the cloth is not wiping away much, submerge the rod in vinegar and allow it to soak for at least an hour, then wipe it dry.

• 3

  Pour a dab of a metal polish and restorer solution onto a cotton cloth. Read the label for the solution to ensure it is safe to use on brass.

• 4

  Wipe a small area of the rod with the cloth until a dark residue appears on the brass. Rub the residue into the brass, without turning the cloth over. The residue helps to polish the brass. The solution helps to remove tarnish as well as fill in scratches.

• 5

  Continue to wipe the area until the brass begins to shine and then move onto the next area.

• 6

  Wipe over the entire rod with a lint-free cloth to remove any remains of the residue.

• 7

  Repeat the process with a clean cloth and the same solution, but wipe in one direction over the entire rod.

• 8

  Reattach the rod to the desk and screw it back into place.

Iron

• 9

  Remove the rod from the desk, if possible. Depending on the rod, you may be able to unscrew it with a screwdriver.

• 10

  Rub over the rod with a wire brush or sandpaper to remove rust and loose paint flakes. This process might take some time, depending on the severity of the rust or chipping paint.

• 11

  Wipe off the rod with a lint-free cloth to remove any remnants of what you removed.

• 12

  Buff the rod with fine-grade steel wool to smooth it over.

• 13

  Spray a small amount of a rust inhibitor onto the rods and allow it to air-dry.

• 14

  Reattach the rod to the desk and screw it back into place.