Silver & Brass Lacquer 100ml

Priory Polishes Silver & Brass Lacquer 100ml is a clear protective lacquer designed for polished metal surfaces. It is particularly useful for brass, silver, copper, chrome and clock or barometer dials where a clear protective finish is required after cleaning, polishing or restoration.

The lacquer forms a clear protective film over the polished surface and is designed to provide good adhesion while helping to protect the restored finish. It is especially popular with clock restorers, antique restorers and collectors working on polished metal components.

The 100ml bottle is ideal for restoration work where only a relatively small quantity of lacquer is required. It is suitable for individual clock dials, barometer dials, brass fittings and smaller metal restoration projects.

• Why Choose Silver & Brass Lacquer?
• Suitable Metals
• Clock & Barometer Dial Restoration
• Brass & Silver Restoration
• Preparing the Surface
• How to Apply Silver & Brass Lacquer
• Applying Lacquer to Clock Dials
• Avoiding Brush Marks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Please Note
• Health & Safety
  

Why Choose Silver & Brass Lacquer?

• Clear protective finish – helps preserve the appearance of polished metal.
• Ideal for restoration – particularly useful after cleaning and polishing antique metal.
• Excellent for clock dials – widely used for clock and barometer dial restoration.
• Suitable for several polished metals – including brass, silver, copper and chrome.
• Helps protect the restored surface – reducing the need for frequent re-polishing.
• 100ml size – convenient for smaller restoration projects and workshop use.

The product is also included in the Clock Dial Silvering Restoration Kit, which combines the lacquer with silvering and finishing products for clock dial restoration.

Suitable Metals

Silver & Brass Lacquer is suitable for a range of clean, polished metal surfaces, making it useful for both antique restoration and general metal finishing.

Brass

Use on polished brass after cleaning and restoration to help preserve the bright, polished appearance. It is particularly useful for brass clock components, decorative fittings and antique metalwork.

Silver

The clear lacquer can be used over restored silver surfaces where a protective clear finish is required.

Copper

Suitable for polished copper components and decorative metalwork following thorough preparation.

Chrome

The lacquer has good adhesion on chrome and can be used to provide a clear protective finish on suitable polished chrome surfaces.

Clock and Barometer Dials

One of the most important uses for this lacquer is clock dial and barometer dial restoration. When used correctly, a thin coat can help protect a newly restored dial finish.

Clock & Barometer Dial Restoration

Silver / Brass Lacquer is particularly useful for clock dial restoration. It can be applied after cleaning, silvering or otherwise restoring the surface of a clock or barometer dial to help preserve the finished appearance.

For restored clock dials, the first coat is particularly important. Apply the first coat very quickly and lightly, rather than slowly working the lacquer over the surface. Once this initial coat has dried, a further coat can be applied if required.

Engraved clock dials should receive only a very thin application. Applying too much lacquer can cause existing dial wax within the engraving to soften and run.

For a complete dial restoration project, see our guide to restoring and re-silvering a clock dial.

Silver & Brass Restoration

For antique brass and silver restoration, the surface should be completely clean and free from previous lacquer, grease, fingerprints, polish residue and other contamination before applying the lacquer.

This is especially important where the metal has first been cleaned or polished. Any residue left beneath the lacquer can become trapped under the clear coating and affect the final appearance.

Once the metal has been properly prepared, the lacquer can be applied as a protective finishing coat to help maintain the restored appearance.

Preparing the Surface Before Lacquering

Good preparation is essential when applying any clear metal lacquer. The surface should be clean, dry and completely free from old coatings.

1. Remove old varnish or lacquer completely from the surface.
2. Clean and polish the metal until the desired finish has been achieved.
3. Remove all traces of grease, oil, fingerprints and polishing residue.
4. Ensure the surface is completely clean and dry before applying the lacquer.
5. Always test the lacquer on a small, inconspicuous area before treating the complete item.

Do not apply clear lacquer over an existing finish unless you have established that the two coatings are compatible. For restoration work, removing the old coating first is normally the preferred approach.

How to Apply Silver & Brass Lacquer

1. Ensure the metal is clean, polished and completely dry.
2. Remove any old varnish or lacquer before application.
3. Work in a well-ventilated area.
4. Apply the lacquer using a soft brush with a smooth, flowing action.
5. Avoid repeatedly brushing over the same area while the lacquer is drying.
6. Allow the first coat to dry before deciding whether another coat is required.
7. For clock and barometer dials, keep the first coat particularly light and quick.

For some small restoration pieces, a soft cotton cloth or cotton wool pad can also be used for a very quick, light application. This can be particularly useful when applying a thin protective coat to a restored dial.

If brush marks are left on the article when dry place the article on a hot radiator or in the oven at a low temperature, the brush marks will then usually disappear.

Applying Lacquer to Clock Dials

When using Silver / Brass Lacquer on a clock or barometer dial, thin application is essential.

Apply the first coat quickly and lightly, then leave it to dry before applying any additional lacquer. Engraved dials should only receive a very thin coating to avoid disturbing existing dial wax.

A soft cotton cloth or cotton wool pad can be used for a quick application where appropriate. Do not repeatedly work the lacquer once it has started to dry.

For complete clock dial restoration, our Clock Dial Silvering Restoration Kit includes 100ml of Silver / Brass Lacquer alongside silvering powder, finishing powder and dial wax.

How to Avoid Brush Marks

The lacquer should be applied with a soft brush and a flowing action. Avoid overworking the coating, as repeatedly brushing an area while the lacquer is drying can increase the chance of visible brush marks.

If brush marks remain after drying, controlled gentle warming can help the coating level. Care should be taken with any heat source because lacquer products may contain flammable solvents. Do not use excessive heat or an open flame.

For cleaning brushes after use, cellulose thinners are recommended for this lacquer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can Silver / Brass Lacquer be used on?

It can be used on many polished metal surfaces, including brass, silver, copper and chrome. It is particularly useful for clock and barometer dials.

Can I use this lacquer on a clock dial?

Yes. It is specifically used for clock and barometer dial restoration. The first coat should be applied very quickly and lightly, with subsequent coats only added once the first coat has dried.

Can it be used on engraved clock dials?

Yes, but only apply a very thin coat. Too much lacquer can soften and cause existing dial wax to run.

Can I lacquer brass after polishing?

Yes. Make sure the brass is completely clean, dry and free from polishing residue, grease and fingerprints before applying the lacquer.

Will the lacquer yellow with age?

The product is formulated to resist yellowing and crazing with ageing, helping to maintain a clear protective finish.

Can I use it on chrome?

Yes. The lacquer has good adhesion on chrome as well as brass, copper and silver.

Can I use this lacquer on stainless steel?

No. Stainless steel is unsuitable for this product.

Can I use it in a bathroom or kitchen?

No. The product is not recommended for damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Can I apply it over old lacquer?

For best results, remove the old varnish or lacquer first and ensure the metal is clean and polished before applying the new coating.

How should I clean the brush?

Cellulose thinners are recommended for cleaning brushes after using this clear lacquer.

How much lacquer should I use on a clock dial?

Use as little as necessary to achieve an even protective coating. The first coat should be particularly thin and quick, especially on engraved dials.

Can I use this after silvering a clock dial?

Yes. Silver / Brass Lacquer is used as the final protective coating after clock dial silvering. Allow the restored surface to dry thoroughly before applying a light coat.

Please Note

• Always test the product on a small, inconspicuous area before full application.
• The surface must be clean, polished and completely dry before lacquering.
• Remove old varnish or lacquer before application.
• Not suitable for stainless steel.
• Not recommended for damp areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
• Engraved clock dials should only receive a thin coating.
• Too much lacquer on a dial may cause existing dial wax to melt and run.
• Do not use excessive heat or an open flame when attempting to level a coating.

Health & Safety

Silver / Brass Lacquer is a solvent-based restoration coating and should be handled with appropriate care.

• Use in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid breathing vapours.
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• Wear suitable protective gloves and eye protection where appropriate.
• Keep away from sources of ignition, heat and naked flames.
• Do not smoke while using the product.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Always follow the instructions and safety information supplied with the product.

When using cellulose thinners for cleaning brushes, follow the safety instructions for the thinners separately.