How to Remove Metal Corrosion from a Stained Glass Chandelier

Metal corrosion, or white mold, as it's commonly called, on stained glass chandeliers is very unattractive. The lead and solder lines of the stained glass chandelier become spotted, which is very unattractive. Usually, the metal corrosion is a result of flux buildup that wasn't properly removed.

Removing the metal corrosion from a stained glass chandelier can be done with a commercial cleanser, but it often scratches the stained glass chandelier in the process. I prefer to remove metal corrosion with baking soda. It's not so abrasive and it won't scratch the glass.

To start removing metal corrosion from your stained glass chandelier, get a small scrub brush or fine steel wool. Dampen your chosen instrument with water, sprinkle plenty of baking soda over the metal corrosion on your stained glass chandelier, and scrub in a horizontal, vertical and circular pattern.

A thorough rinse of the stained glass chandelier should follow this scrubbing, and then it should be dried. Re-apply any patina finish damaged by the metal corrosion once the stained glass chandelier is dry. If more patina isn't needed, then you can use a finishing agent to protect and polish the stained glass chandelier.

Removing metal corrosion from a stained glass chandelier can be tedious, especially if you have to redo the finish, but it's necessary to salvage your piece. However, you can avoid some of the problems by removing flux before it turns into metal corrosion.

Flux will turn into metal corrosion if left for just a few hours. When you're using commercial flux removers on your stained glass chandelier, follow the manufacturer's instructions. CJ's is my preferred flux remover. With this brand, you spray the stained glass chandelier liberally, then take a soft scrub brush and scrub around in a circular motion. Rinse the first side and start the same process on the other.

Baking soda and dish soap make a good substitute for commercial cleansers when removing flux from stained glass chandeliers. To begin, put baking soda onto the piece, along with a small amount of dish soap. Use a dampened soft scrub brush to scrub in a circular motion, then rinse and do the opposite side.

Whichever method you use, you should pat-dry the stained glass chandelier once you're done with a soft clean cloth. Make sure it's completely dry. Then, if needed, you can re-apply the patina finish.

Cleaning a stained glass chandelier, whether of flux or metal corrosion, is not an easy process, in that it takes time and care. However, your piece will be healthy and look better with proper attention, and the better care you take of it now, the better its condition will be later on. Especially remember not to let flux build up to the point where it becomes metal corrosion.