Product Installation & Care

Caring for your Brass

Brass is a beautiful metal that carries many finishes and whilst it will stand the test of time, it will eventually patina and age, and it’s finish can dull over time especially when exposed to the elements (rain, wind, dust and salt). Please understand that this is a natural reaction to oxygen and/moisture in the air and your brass items are not defective or faulty!  To restore your brass to its original glory, here’s some handy tips to help you care for your brass:

How to Clean Brass - 7 Expert Tips

How to Clean Brass and Preserve it Beauty

Mistakes to Avoid when caring for your Brass

There are a few areas of concern that you should be aware of when it comes to polishing and cleaning brass:

• Avoid using highly abrasive scrubbing cloths, metal-bristled brushes, or steel wool as these could scratch or damage the surface of the brass.
• In some cases to prevent tarnishing or patina growth, apply a thin coating of linseed oil or mineral oil to clean brass with a soft terry towel.
• Check if your brass has a lacquered finish or not before you clean it! Many brass objects are protected with a lacquer finish and should only be cleaned with hot, soapy water. If pieces of this type are heavily tarnished, you will need to remove the lacquer with a paint or varnish remover, clean and polish the brass using one of the techniques above, then re-lacquer the piece.
• If you don’t want your brass to age or dull over time, You should avoid touching your brass items as much as possible; oils in your skin can hasten tarnishing.

Regular cleaning and polishing with a microfiber cloth will help keep dust and dirt from accumulating and keep your brass accents lovely and lustrous.

Installation Tips: Brass House Numbers

We’ve designed our brass house numbers so that the screws are hidden behind the number. The numbers come with attachable screws on the back that are inserted into the surface you’re applying them to. Once you’ve attached the screws into the back of the number, we recommend pre-drilling holes that correspond with the screws positioning. You can then attach the numbers using glue in the screw holes or rubber plugs to grip and hold the screws in place depending on the surface you’re attaching them to.

Installation Tips: Brass “Villa” Word

We’ve designed our brass wordo so that the screws are hidden behind each individual letter. Each letter has screws on the back that are inserted into the surface you’re applying them to. First: We recommend pre-drilling holes that correspond with the screws positioning (make sure they’re straight!) You can then attach each letter using glue in the screw holes or rubber plugs to grip them and hold the screws in place. The method you use will depend on the surface you’re attaching them to. If you’re unsure, we recommend using a handyman or builder for advice or to assist your installation.

Installation Tips: Brass Hooks, Plaques and Small House Numbers

Our Brass Hooks, plaques and Small House Numbers are designed to be used both indoors and outdoors and whilst we supply free screws with most of these products, please note that the screws provided are of a basic nature and are not designed for outdoor use and may not be suitable for all indoor purposes either.

Please ensure you use the correct screws for your product and purpose, and make sure that the surface that you’re attaching them to is suitable. When installing hooks outdoors or in high-salt environments, please ensure you use rust-proof screws to avoid rust.  

If you’re not sure on how to install your hooks, plaques or house numbers we recommend speaking to your local hardware store for advice or have a qualified handyman or builder advise you further. No liability will be accepted for incorrectly installed items.

Installation Tips: Luna Hooks

Our Luna Hook installation guide can be viewed here 

Installation Tips: Large and Extra Large Pineapple Door Knocker

Screw the large top screw into the back of the knocker, then drill a hole in the front of the door that fits the large screw. Use a large rubber plug to hold the screw in place firmly, or alternatively use glue in the hole then push the large screw of the knocker into the hole. Next, use the small screw and attach the knocker to the door at the bottom. 

African Dancing Baskets & Pendants

Our woven pendants/baskets can be reshaped if required by wetting the basket area prior to installation and inserting a dry towel inside to shape and manipulate to the required shape. Let dry overnight. Ensure basket is completely dry before installing/use.

Keep your pendant light shade clean by dusting or wiping gently with a cloth.

Pendant lights should be installed by a licensed electrician. Pendant light kit not included.