The character of metal deepens with time.
The brass used in CTSH lighting is a material that gradually changes color over time.
While its bright, elegant shine when new is appealing, its calm, deepening character as it is used is also a beauty unique to brass.
This time, we will introduce how to enjoy the texture of brass for a long time and how to restore its original shine when necessary.
We will introduce how to care for it and how to restore its original shine when necessary.
Brass is a "changing metal"
Brass is a metal primarily composed of copper and zinc.
By coming into contact with moisture and oxygen in the air, as well as skin oils, the color of the surface gradually changes.
When new, it has a bright, almost golden impression, but over time, it gradually changes to a slightly calmer, antique-like shade.
This is a natural change as the material blends into the space.
At CTSH, we believe this change over time is also one of the charms of brass.
For regular care, use a dry, soft cloth. After cleaning, apply beeswax or oil.
Daily care is very simple.
If dust or fingerprints get on the surface of the light, gently wipe them off with a dry, soft cloth.
Using a microfiber cloth, like one for cleaning glasses, helps prevent fine scratches and provides peace of mind.
There is no need to scrub hard.
Since the texture of the surface itself is the charm of brass, simply wiping it as if lightly stroking it is enough.
After cleaning, apply a thin layer of beeswax cream or commercially available rust-preventive oil/olive oil to slow down oxidation.
Wipe away moisture and skin oils as soon as possible. Avoid touching with bare hands.
Brass is a material that reacts easily to moisture and skin oils.
Touching it with wet hands or leaving water droplets on it may cause stain-like marks to appear in places.
Wiping the areas touched during installation or when changing the bulb lightly with a dry cloth at the end will make it easier to maintain its beautiful condition.
Especially when used in humid areas such as around the kitchen or bathroom, frequent dry wiping is recommended.
Because it is prone to leaving fingerprints, it is important to avoid touching it with bare hands as much as possible.
When you want to restore its original shine
If the dullness of the brass bothers you and you want to restore the bright shine it had when new, you can restore its character by polishing it lightly.
An easy method to do at home is to add a small amount of water to about one teaspoon of baking soda, soak a soft cloth in it, and polish gently.
After polishing, thoroughly wipe away any moisture or residue left on the surface, and finish with a dry cloth.
You can also use a cream specifically made for brass (such as Brasso).
Since dedicated products tend to provide a more consistent finish, they are recommended when you want to thoroughly restore the shine.
Vinegar and toothpaste are sometimes used, but acids and abrasive components can have a strong effect.
When using them, test them on an inconspicuous area first, and perform the process gently for a short time.
Enjoy the discoloration or maintain the shine
There are broadly two ways to think about caring for brass.
One is to deliberately avoid over-polishing and enjoy the natural change over time.
The color gradually calms down, creating a depth that blends into the space.
The other is to polish lightly periodically and maintain a bright shine.
This is recommended for those who want to maintain an impression close to when it was new.
However, over-polishing may make the texture of the surface too uniform or make the character of the finish look weak.
For CTSH lighting, to make the most of the texture of the material itself, we recommend not polishing more than necessary and enjoying the character of the brass as it gradually matures.
Things to keep in mind before cleaning
When cleaning lighting fixtures, always turn off the power and wait until the fixture has cooled down sufficiently before working.
Also, even when polishing with moisture, care must be taken to prevent moisture from entering the lighting fixture itself or around the electrical components.
After polishing, wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth and do not leave any moisture on the surface.
Cleaning methods to avoid
Brass is a durable metal, but its surface is surprisingly delicate.
Avoid the following types of cleaning.
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Leaving it wet after wiping with water
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Scrubbing hard with an abrasive sponge
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Applying alcohol or strong detergents directly
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Soaking it in acidic or alkaline detergents for a long time
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Using metal polish too frequently
Even if you are concerned about dirt, always wipe it with a dry, soft cloth first.
The charm of brass does not end the moment it is finished
Brass lighting is not complete the moment you purchase it.
It gradually changes its character depending on where it is used, how often it is touched, the humidity of the air, and the passage of time.
The clear shine it had when new.
The calm color that deepens over time.
And the original beauty of the metal that returns when you tend to it when necessary.
Brass is a material that ages with the space.
Key points!
Regular care:
Simply wiping it gently with a dry, soft cloth is enough (do not touch with bare hands).
When you want to restore the shine:
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water and polish lightly with a soft cloth. Finish by thoroughly wiping away any moisture. *For deeper oxidation, use toothpaste/metal polish (such as Brasso)
Enjoying the material:
Brass is a material that can be polished to maintain its shine or enjoyed for its changes over time.
The beauty when new and the character that deepens with use. Both are charms unique to brass.
CTSH LIGHT. lighting used in this space
