Caring for Your Custom Brass Shelving how to clean, maintain, and preserve unlacquered, aged, and waxed finishes.
Every Cortavelle shelving system is built from solid brass — never plated, never painted — chosen for its longevity, depth, and timeless character. Whether left unlacquered to develop a natural patina, finished with a deep aged or blackened surface, or treated with a protective wax layer, each piece will age beautifully with proper care.
This guide is designed to help you clean, maintain, and preserve your custom brass shelving so it continues to bring structure, presence, and beauty to the spaces it inhabits for generations.
Maintaining Unlacquered Brass
We specialize in unlacquered solid brass because it is a living metal — one that evolves with the space it inhabits. Over time, it develops a rich, natural patina that deepens its character and protects the surface. The benefit of solid brass is that it can always be cleaned, re-finished, or restored without damaging the material. This makes it ideal for shelving, fixtures, and architectural details meant to last for generations.
routine maintenance
Because unlacquered brass is unsealed, it will respond to its environment and to touch. To preserve its beauty:
Always wear gloves when handling your shelving or fittings. Oils from hands and even small amounts of moisture can mark the surface.
For routine cleaning, use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently remove dust and surface debris.
If fingerprints or light marks appear, buff gently with the grain using a very fine maroon Scotch-Brite pad.
Do not buff across the grain, as this can alter the sheen and leave the brass looking dull. If this occurs, simply continue buffing with the grain to restore its original luster.
For tubular components, wrap the Scotch-Brite pad around the tube and alternate pulling gently from each end. This creates a controlled, even motion that follows the grain and maintains the finish.
Avoid water-based household cleaners. These can damage the surface and accelerate unwanted oxidation.
After 3–4 weeks, the brass will begin to develop a thin protective patina, making it less prone to marks. However, water or oil contact can still cause spotting, so gloves and gentle handling remain best practice.
deep cleaning and polishing
If desired, unlacquered brass can be polished periodically to restore its bright tone. Brasso or a comparable non-abrasive metal polish applied with a soft cloth is recommended. Because Cortavelle shelving is crafted from solid brass — never plated — the surface can be cleaned, polished, or even fully re-finished without risk of damaging the underlying material.
Preserving Aged and Blackened Brass
Our aged and blackened brass finishes are created through a precise oxidation process that develops deep, complex tones unique to each piece. These finishes are intentionally reactive — designed to bring character and depth to a space — but they require careful handling to preserve their integrity.
routine maintenance
Always wear gloves when handling or installing patinated shelving. Oils from skin can alter or unevenly lighten the surface.
Dust gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris.
Avoid abrasive tools or cleaners. Never use Scotch-Brite pads, metal polishes, or water-based household cleaners, as they can strip or damage the patina.
Do not attempt to polish. Unlike unlacquered brass, aged and blackened finishes should not be brightened or buffed — their beauty lies in their depth and nuance.
if scratches occur
Because these finishes are the result of a controlled chemical reaction rather than a surface coating, they cannot be spot-treated or lightly polished. If a piece becomes scratched or significantly marked, it will likely require professional refinishing to restore the surface. Cortavelle can assist with refinishing recommendations or re-application if necessary.
long-term aging
Over time, aged and blackened brass will continue to evolve subtly, particularly in high-touch areas. This natural change is part of the character of the finish and should be embraced as part of the material’s story. With proper care and handling, these surfaces will remain stable and beautifully complex for decades.
Protecting Waxed Brass Finishes
Some shelving systems and fittings can be finished with a microcrystalline wax coating by request. This thin, nearly invisible layer slows patina development, provides added surface protection, and enhances the depth of the brass tone without sealing the metal completely.
routine maintenance
Use only a soft, dry microfiber cloth for dusting and cleaning.
Avoid all water, detergents, and polishes. These can strip or cloud the wax layer.
Do not use abrasives. Scotch-Brite pads and similar tools should never be applied to waxed brass.
re-waxing and restoration
If the surface becomes scratched or the protective layer begins to wear away over time, it can often be renewed by applying a thin coat of a high-quality metal wax. This should be done sparingly and gently. For best results — particularly for shelving installations in high-traffic areas — we recommend professional re-waxing to restore a uniform appearance.
Final Word
Each finish — from the evolving glow of unlacquered brass to the moody depth of aged patinas and the subtle sheen of waxed surfaces — tells a different story. With thoughtful care, your custom brass shelving will continue to mature, deepen, and enhance its surroundings for generations.