Expert: Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson - 4/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: could you advise me on how to clean an antique (1930s) cast iron nutcracker?  A small figure, about 4 inches high.  Thanks.

ANSWER: Thanks for contacting us.
 You don't say if it's in bad shape and rusted or just a little dirty so we'll go from least to worst.If it's just dirty and/or light rust, wash in warm soapy water and use a old tooth brush or even a brass or wire brush carefully to remove the dirt and light rust.If it's rusted bad, soak in kerosene for @24 hrs, then use your brush or steelwool to remove the rust.Wash in the warm soapy water.
Once you are this far, cloth towel dry then let the item sit in the sun for several hours to get all the moisture out. Now for the topcoat. You can spray with Satin Lacquer which may leave to much of a shine,I've had good luck with a satin wipe-on -poly and a brush. If you can do this while it's still warm from the sun, it's better. Take the poly and a brush and just flow it on till it won't seem to take any more then leave it to dry on your towel turning it several times. Leave it on the towel for a few days because it may "weep" poly and the last thing you want it to put it on display and have the weeping occur onto something else. You can recoat whenever you think it needs a little touchup!If your going to use this item, I would then use a coat of paste wax and refresh it as soon as possable after using.
Rob
Anderson's Restorations
www.andersonsrestorations.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks so much for your prompt and thorough reply.  The piece is "just dirty" with maybe a few tiny spots of rust.  I intend to sell it.  If I treat it with the Satin Lacquer (i assume i can buy this at, say, Home Depot?) will that detract from its value or should I leave it "as is"?  Thanks again.

Answer
Without a doubt, if you intend to sell the item, I would clean with soap and water and leave it alone. Any more attempts at cleaning should be left up to the buyer. I have seen to many items turned down by buyers because it's not origional or has been cleaned. Let the buyer do what they wish beyond a simple cleaning.
Rob
www.andersonsrestorations.com