Brass altar candlesticks need very little care — if they are lacquered. Most of our candlesticks are polished, coated with a clear lacquer and heat-baked, so the brass does not tarnish quickly. The routine is simple: dust, remove wax after it cools, wipe with a damp cloth, dry. The mistakes are equally simple: abrasive polish, sharp tools and boiling water.
First, Check Whether the Brass Is Lacquered
Lacquered brass has a clear coating that seals the polished surface. It looks even and slightly glossy, and it does not leave a black mark on a white cloth when you rub it. Unlacquered brass tarnishes and will polish up with a brass polish. If you are not sure, test a hidden spot on the base with a soft cloth: a dark mark means the brass is bare; no mark means it is lacquered.
Weekly Care
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use a feather duster that can scratch the lacquer.
- Wipe fingerprints with a barely damp cloth, then dry immediately.
- Check the socket for wax build-up and the base for stability.
- Keep the candlestick away from direct heat and from windows where condensation can form.
How to Remove Candle Wax
Wait until the wax is cool and hard. Lift the bulk with a plastic scraper, a wooden spatula or your fingernail. Soften the residue with a cloth dipped in warm — not boiling — water and a little mild soap. Work around the socket with a soft brush. Never use a knife, a screwdriver or a scouring pad: they will scratch the brass and cut through the lacquer.
If wax has run down the stem, wrap the piece in a warm damp cloth for a few minutes and wipe gently. Do not use a heat gun or a hair dryer on lacquered brass; the coating can blister.
Polishing Lacquered Brass
Do not polish lacquered brass with an abrasive brass polish. It will cut through the coating and leave dull patches that cannot be restored without relacquering. If the lacquer is worn or flaking, the piece needs to be stripped and relacquered by a metalsmith, not polished harder.
Polishing Unlacquered Brass
Unlacquered brass can be polished with a brass polish. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth, work it into the metal, then buff with a clean cloth. Test on a hidden area first. After polishing, wash with mild soap and water and dry thoroughly. Some sacristies apply a thin coat of Renaissance wax to slow tarnishing; follow the product instructions and avoid the socket.
Gold-Plated and Silver-Plated Candlesticks
Gold plating is thin and soft. Clean it only with a soft cloth and, if needed, a cleaner made for gold plate. Do not use abrasive polish, and do not scrub the socket. Silver plate needs a silver cloth or a silver dip used exactly as directed; rinse and dry thoroughly to avoid water spots.
Storage
Store spare candlesticks wrapped in soft cloth or tissue, with the socket protected. Do not stack them loosely in a drawer where the bases can knock together. Keep them dry and away from damp sacristy walls. If a piece is stored for a long season, check it before the next use for tarnish, loose joints or a cracked socket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I clean wax off a brass candlestick?
A: Let the wax cool and harden, lift it with a plastic scraper, then wipe with warm water and mild soap. Never use a knife or abrasive pad, and do not use a heat gun on lacquered brass. Dry the piece immediately.
Q: Do I need to polish lacquered brass candlesticks?
A: No. Lacquered brass needs only dusting and occasional wiping. Abrasive polish will cut through the lacquer and leave dull patches. If the lacquer is worn, the piece needs to be relacquered.
Q: Can I use Brasso on altar candlesticks?
A: Only on unlacquered brass. Brasso and similar polishes are abrasive and will damage lacquered or gold-plated surfaces. Check the finish first and test on a hidden area.
Q: How do I remove tarnish from brass?
A: If the brass is unlacquered, use a brass polish and buff with a soft cloth. If it is lacquered, do not polish; the tarnish is under the coating and the piece needs relacquering. For light tarnish, a paste of baking soda and lemon juice can be used on bare brass, then rinsed and dried.
Q: How should I store candlesticks between seasons?
A: Wrap each piece in soft cloth, protect the socket and store it dry. Do not stack pieces loosely. Check them before the next season for tarnish, loose joints or cracks.
Q: Can I put brass candlesticks in the dishwasher?
A: No. Detergent and hot water will damage the lacquer and can discolour the brass. Wash by hand with mild soap and warm water, then dry immediately.
Related Reading
Browse our altar candlesticks and our candle snuffers. For the Easter candle, see the Paschal Candle guide.
