How do I tell what metal a piece is made of?
I bought some antique bookends from a thrift shop a while ago, and just now started to restore them. Trouble is, I don't know what they're made of, and certain deep cleaning techniques may work for one type of metal, but destroy another. So, if anyone knows a good, safe cleaning method for a universal metal, let me know too.
I have a feeling it's cast iron, but I'm not entirely sure, so if anyone can confirm that, I'd appreciate it. What I do know is the following:
- It's magnetic. Refrigerator magnets stick to it quite nicely.
- It rusts, or it had some kind of rust-colored grime stuck in it.
- It's almost a brass color with dark gray/black recesses.
- It is not scratched or dented by scrubbing it with a wire brush.
I have a feeling it's cast iron, but I'm not entirely sure, so if anyone can confirm that, I'd appreciate it. What I do know is the following:
- It's magnetic. Refrigerator magnets stick to it quite nicely.
- It rusts, or it had some kind of rust-colored grime stuck in it.
- It's almost a brass color with dark gray/black recesses.
- It is not scratched or dented by scrubbing it with a wire brush.
