Puntogf Antiques.

Gold Gilt

Cleaning Your Vintage China

I love the thrill of hunting down vintage items for myself and for my stores. But it can be dirty work. Finding pristine mid century items, for example, can mean digging around in the back of kitchen cupboards at estate sales for the quality wedding list pieces, the treasured dinnerware or glassware which has been carefully stored, seldom used, often forgotten …

Spotting a gem through decades of kitchen grime is only the first step. The next challenge is the cleaning. How do you best remove years of accumulated grease and dust without spoiling your prize?

Of course, the first place to start would be warm water and mild detergent. But be careful! Please ensure your china is at room temperature first - do not bring it in directly from a cold car in winter and plunk it into warm water. Vintage china can be very susceptible to extremes of heat and cold, and this kind of treatment may cause it to crack, chip or craze.

Before starting, check the label on your detergent to ensure it does not contain any bleach or lemon, both of which can be too strong for old china.

Pad the hard surfaces of your sink area to prevent accidental knocks. Immerse each piece separately and rub gently with a soft cloth. I would not use a scrubbing pad or brush as this could cause scratching or worse. Rinse with warm water and air dry.

Often a gentle wash is all that is needed. However, there are times when even hot soapy water will be powerless against the grease monster.

I have seen a product called Spray 9 recommended, but this is a professional product and cannot be bought at your local store. If you have a large amount of china to clean up it may be worth a try. There are many other products out there, such as Formula 409, which are also known to work against grease and grime, although they are not recommended for food preparation surfaces, which makes me hesitant to use them.

So far the best product I have found for cleaning vintage china is our old helper Bar Keepers Friend. I first saw this recommended on Pyrex Love for cleaning Pyrex dishes (it has proved very helpful for removing metal marks!) and decided to try it on some particularly grubby dinnerware. You can plainly see the results in the photo below.

 

 

Bar Keepers Friend is non-toxic and safe to use on objects and areas which will come into contact with food, and this is why I feel most confident recommending it. You should be able to find it at your local supermarket or DIY store, if not it is available online. The outcome can be spectacular, but as always, use your common sense and do not use on areas where there is gilt or decoration over the glaze.

So, you have cleaned up your item and maybe you now discover that there is crazing present. The worst kind of crazing comes with brown staining in and around it, and this can totally ruin the look of a piece. As a dealer, I don’t usually sell anything with this type of damage, except very occasionally when I feel it adds some character. One thing I am definitely not comfortable with is cleaning up the staining before sale. However, this is quite a common practice and there is a technique which works very well. You may want to try it if you have stubborn stains to remove from your own pieces.

To remove stains from crazing you will need to obtain peroxide from a beauty supply store, and cut it with water at 1 part water to 2 parts peroxide (note, these instructions are for peroxide - do not use bleach! Also, ensure you wear gloves and appropriate eye protection!). Immerse the item in the solution in a tupperware or glass bowl, cover with a lid or saran wrap, and leave. It may take up to a week for the brown marks to disappear. Do not use this method where there is cold glaze, gilt (gold) or other decoration over glaze.

So there you have it, a step by step guide to cleaning up your found vintage china. Now that you have achieved the desired result, please remember to take care of your special items. Rinse stored china every few months under warm water to remove accumulated dirt, and you should never again have to subject it to the deep cleaning procedures I have described.

Disclaimer: The techniques above are provided for information only. Please use your own discretion at all times. I cannot be held accountable for the results of using these procedures.

The products cited are not paid references. They are simply products which I have used or had recommended to me.

About the Author

Gilt $29.99 Erin Clark Gilt - Giclee Print

Gold and Gilt, Pots and Pins $45 In this highly illustrated book, David Hinton looks at what possessions meant to people at every level of society in Britain in the middle ages, from elaborate gold jewellery to clay pots, and provides a fascinating window into the society of the middle ages. Gold and Gilt, Pots and Pins is about things worn and used in Britain throughout the Middle Ages, from the great treasure hoards that mark the end of the Roman Empire to the new expressions of ideas promoted by the. Renaissance and Reformation. - ;In medieval Britain people wore jewellery made of gold if they were rich, of base metal if they were poor; they might hoard their property, or give it away to guarantee that they would have friends when needed; and many of them paid tax on their possessions. In Gold and Gilt, Pots and Pins, David Hinton reviews the significance of artefacts in this period. From elaborate gold jewellery to clay pots, he looks at what possessions meant to people at every level of society. His. emphasis is on their reasons for acquiring, keeping, displaying, and disposing of the things that they wore and had in their houses. Drawing on a wide range of physical and documentary evidence, including objects from archaeological excavations and written sources, he argues that the significance of material culture has not been properly taken into account in explanations of social change, particularly in the later Middle Ages. He also explores how identity was created, and how social division was expressed and reinforced. An overall review that looks at evidence in Scotland and Wales as well as in England, this book ranges chronologically from the end of the Roman rule of Britain to the introduction of the new modes and practices that are usually termed 'Renaissance', marked by the changes in religion. Profusely illustrated, the author provides a fascinating and illuminating window into the society of the middle ages. - ;an excellent reference volume, packed with fascinating information and both stimulating and engaging. - Graham Winton, The Local Historian;This book is an excellent example of deep learning worn lightly and well communicated. - Kevin Leahy, TLS;This is a scholarly book, aimed at archaeologists, historians and museum curators... - Jane Morris, The Guardian;Offers an illuminating window .. through the artefacts that survive, and which once belonged to people at every level of society. - History Today;Though this book is innovative for its "big picture" approach, its value as a detailed reference work for anyone working on medieval clothing and textiles of the British Isles cannot be overstated. - Medieval Clothing and Textiles

Poisoned by Gilt $6.99 Green with envy To the newly formed design team of Steve Sullivan and Erin Gilbert, it seemed like a great idea: a competition to design and build the most earth-friendly home in Crestview, Colorado. But who would have dreamed that someone’s idea of saving the planet might include murder? Environmental guru Richard Thayers was Steve Sullivan’s architectural mentor and the judge of the contest. Now he is dead—poisoned by some supposedly nontoxic gold paint. Sullivan is certain that Richard’s demise was no accident, but Gilbert’s not so sure. One thing’s clear, though: the mysterious death is quickly poisoning their burgeoning romantic relationship. Suddenly, when another figure in the contest is killed and Sullivan becomes distracted by an attractive divorcee, Erin goes on a mission: not only to find the killer, but to expose the true Steve Sullivan—and the designs he’s hiding in his heart…. From the Paperback edition.

Hardeman Round Silver/ Gold Gilt Wall Mirror $269.36 Color:Silver/gold gilt Materials: Polyurethane Architectural in its approach with grooved accents that extend around the sides Dimensions: 32 inches round

Chelsea Vase and Lid with Gilt Chinoiserie Design, Gold Anchor Period (1758-69) $49.99 Chelsea Vase and Lid with Gilt Chinoiserie Design, Gold Anchor Period (1758-69) - Giclee Print

Gilt Twist Console $1560 Inspired by Gilbert Poillerat and Jansen. This table has been adapted from the many bronze tables that were made for Maison Jansen and other Jansen in the middle of the 20th century. It has a simple and elegant shape that makes it work in a variety of interiors. The gold leaf finish on our twisted and techniqued tubular version emulates the gold bronze of the much more expensive versions.

Gilt Twist Rectangular Table $1070 Inspired by Gilbert Poillerat and Jansen. This table has been adapted from the many bronze tables that were made for Maison Jansen and other Jansen in the middle of the 20th century. It has a simple and elegant shape that makes it work in a variety of interiors. The gold leaf finish on our twisted and techniqued tubular version emulates the gold bronze of the much more expensive versions.

LaClair Gilt Clock $129 At nearly two feet in diameter, this clock showcases the look of reverse-painted glass. An elegant interpretation of clocks from eras past, it's handcrafted with a shimmering gold-and-garnet face. Resin frame with an antiqued bronze finish. Quartz movement. Requires one AA battery. Keyhole hanger. 22" diam. Sorry, no Express Delivery.

Gold Cased Bras-En-L'Air Pocket Watch, Time Indicated by Raised Arms of Gilt Figure, c.1810 $49.99 Gold Cased Bras-En-L'Air Pocket Watch, Time Indicated by Raised Arms of Gilt Figure, c.1810 - Giclee Print

3/4 Magnetic Snap Gilt Gold $4.89 Use to secure openings on purses, handbags and craft projects. Once set per package.

Roses, Anemones and Peonies, Strawberries, a Silver-Gilt Ostrich Egg Cup and a German Gold-Gilt… $34.99 Jean Baptise Robie Roses, Anemones and Peonies, Strawberries, a Silver-Gilt Ostrich Egg Cup and a German Gold-Gilt… - Giclee Print

GILT 24K GOLD RIM SALAD BOWL by ARDA GLASSWARE $98.68 "GILT collection is a completing range for your elegant dinner table. Each piece is 24K gold rim hand painted by expert craftsmen. HANDCRAFTED LARGE GLASS SERVING BOWL MATERIALS: HANDSPUN GLASS, 24K GOLD PAINT COLOR: 24K GOLD RIM FINISHED MEASURES: 13"" DIAMETER NOT DISHWASHER OR MICROWAVE SAFE, HAND WASH ONLY FOOD SAFEARDA GLASSWARE is one of the major decorative glass manufacturers in Europe. ARDA manufactures its designs in Istanbul, Turkey: A city where Asia and Europe meets as ARDA combines century old traditional techniques with innovative, progressive and unique inventions in glass production and decoration."

GILT 24K GOLD RIM SET OF 4 CHARGER PLATES by ARDA GLASSWARE $246.74 "GILT collection is a completing range for your elegant dinner table. Each piece is 24K gold rim hand painted by expert craftsmen. HANDCRAFTED GLASS CHARGER PLATE MATERIALS: HANDSPUN GLASS, 24K GOLD PAINT COLOR: 24K GOLD RIM FINISHED MEASURES: 12.5"" DIAMETER NOT DISHWASHER OR MICROWAVE SAFE, HAND WASH ONLY FOOD SAFE SET OF 4 CHARGER PLATESARDA GLASSWARE is one of the major decorative glass manufacturers in Europe. ARDA manufactures its designs in Istanbul, Turkey: A city where Asia and Europe meets as ARDA combines century old traditional techniques with innovative, progressive and unique inventions in glass production and decoration."

Gilt Twist Rectangular Table - Currey & Company $1070 Gilt Twist Rectangular Table - Currey & Company Inspired by Gilbert Poillerat and Jansen. This table has been adapted from the many bronze tables that were made for Maison Jansen and other Jansen in the middle of the 20th century. It has a simple and elegant shape that makes it work in a variety of interiors. The gold leaf finish on our twisted and techniqued tubular version emulates the gold bronze of the much more expensive versions. Measurements: 44"w x 21"d x 18"h Material: Wrought Iron Currey & Company , known today for its vibrant collection of lighting products, started its existence in 1988 as a purveyor of historic garden furnishings. When Robert B. Currey founded Garden Source Furnishings, the main focus of the company was the creation and marketing of classic garden furniture from the Winterthur Museum and the Smithsonian Institution.

Gilt Twist Square Coffee Table $1390 Inspired by Gilbert Poillerat and Jansen. This table has been adapted from the many bronze tables that were made for Maison Jansen and other Jansen in the middle of the 20th century. It has a simple and elegant shape that makes it work in a variety of interiors. The gold leaf finish on our twisted and techniqued tubular version emulates the gold bronze of the much more expensive versions.

Arda Glassware Gilt 24K Gold Rim Large Shallow Bowl $111.02 GILT collection is a completing range for your elegant dinner table. Each piece is 24K gold rim hand painted by expert craftsmen. HANDCRAFTED GLASS CENTERPIECE BOWL MATERIALS: HANDSPUN GLASS, 24K GOLD PAINT COLOR: 24K GOLD RIM FINISHED MEASURES: 16"" DIAMETER NOT DISHWASHER OR MICROWAVE SAFE, HAND WASH ONLY FOOD SAFEARDA GLASSWARE is one of the major decorative glass manufacturers in Europe. ARDA manufactures its designs in Istanbul, Turkey: A city where Asia and Europe meets as ARDA combines century old traditional techniques with innovative, progressive and unique inventions in glass production and decoration

GILT 24K GOLD RIM SET OF 4 SIDE PLATES by ARDA GLASSWARE $135.7 "GILT collection is a completing range for your elegant dinner table. Each piece is 24K gold rim hand painted by expert craftsmen. HANDCRAFTED SMALL GLASS SERVING PLATES MATERIALS: HANDSPUN GLASS, 24K GOLD PAINT COLOR: 24K GOLD RIM FINISHED MEASURES: 8"" DIAMETER NOT DISHWASHER OR MICROWAVE SAFE, HAND WASH ONLY FOOD SAFE SET OF 4 SMALL SERVING PLATESARDA GLASSWARE is one of the major decorative glass manufacturers in Europe. ARDA manufactures its designs in Istanbul, Turkey: A city where Asia and Europe meets as ARDA combines century old traditional techniques with innovative, progressive and unique inventions in glass production and decoration."

GILT 24K GOLD RIM SET OF 4 INDIVIDUAL BOWLS by ARDA GLASSWARE $119.24 "GILT collection is a completing range for your elegant dinner table. Each piece is 24K gold rim hand painted by expert craftsmen. HANDCRAFTED SMALL GLASS SERVING BOWL MATERIALS: HANDSPUN GLASS, 24K GOLD PAINT COLOR: 24K GOLD RIM FINISHED MEASURES: 7"" DIAMETER NOT DISHWASHER OR MICROWAVE SAFE, HAND WASH ONLY FOOD SAFE SET OF 4 SMALL SERVING BOWLSARDA GLASSWARE is one of the major decorative glass manufacturers in Europe. ARDA manufactures its designs in Istanbul, Turkey: A city where Asia and Europe meets as ARDA combines century old traditional techniques with innovative, progressive and unique inventions in glass production and decoration."

Arda Glassware Gilt 24K Gold Rim Nut Bowls (Set of 4) $96.63 GILT collection is a completing range for your elegant dinner table. Each piece is 24K gold rim hand painted by expert craftsmen. HANDCRAFTED SMALL GLASS SERVING BOWL MATERIALS: HANDSPUN GLASS, 24K GOLD PAINT COLOR: 24K GOLD RIM FINISHED MEASURES: 5" DIAMETER NOT DISHWASHER OR MICROWAVE SAFE, HAND WASH ONLY FOOD SAFE SET OF 4 SMALL SERVING BOWLSARDA GLASSWARE is one of the major decorative glass manufacturers in Europe. ARDA manufactures its designs in Istanbul, Turkey: A city where Asia and Europe meets as ARDA combines century old traditional techniques with innovative, progressive and unique inventions in glass production and decoration."

Gilt Gold Scabs