Protect Your Skin

• Put on rubber gloves to protect your skin during the lacquer removal process.
  
  

Commercial and Homemade Lacquer Removers

• Purchase lacquer remover (two popular products are Behr's The Stripper and Parks' Refurbisher) or make your own. To make lacquer remover, mix 1 tbsp. baking soda with 1 quart water and bring to a boil.
  
  

Remove the Lacquer

• Use commercial lacquer remover as directed on the packaging. To use homemade lacquer remover, soak the item in the baking soda-water mix while it boils for 15 minutes. Remove it from the water.
  
  

Rinse the Brass

• Rinse the item under hot water to peel off any remaining lacquer leftover from either process. If there are stubborn bits of lacquer left, you can use a cotton ball dipped in acetone nail polish remover to wear it away. With the lacquer gone, you can clean your brass or relacquer it as desired.