ARCHIVED Questions and Answers
Restoring Rayo
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Restoring by Vicki
Posted: August 17, 1998 @ 09:35.
I've recenty been given an old Rayo lamp that used to belong to my husbands' grandmother. I know this was a common lamp and all I have is the base but I'd like to restore it for use. The problem is it was kept up in an attic for about 20 years and is heavily corroded. How do I go about restoring it to its'shiny nickel finish without harming the lamp? Thank you for any advice or help you can offer!
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On August 17, 1998 @ 12:07, Fil Graff, Guild Secretary
wrote:
Vicki: If you have some metal polish (like Brasso, which I don't particularly like because it dries white in crevases, etc.), pick an area of the font and gently polish away with a soft rag. Stay away from the harsher cleaners with abrasives. The finish on the lamp may well be pretty spotty from years of use; that almost comes with the territory!
Restoring the lamp to burning condition is possible, and encouraged! The Rayo wasn't a particularly sterling performer from the git-go; they were cheap, and readily available, so there are lots of them. But as you have a family heirloom, burn it! Wicks are available, as are chimneys. I'd recommend a thorough interior soaking/cleaning before filling with kerosene, and using a new wick (unless there is plenty of old wick left, and it isn't all brown and hard to the touch). Let nme know how it comes out!
:: Fil ::