So I found this really neat vintage pin cushion at a yard sale yesterday. I think it's from the '40s '50s and I want to restore it. Change the fabric, clean up the metal. @Heucuva8 believes it's aluminum. Anybody do any restoration and gives tips?
@Mrs_Bones @Heucuva8 left to me I'd go at it with a q-tip and oxalic acid, e.g. Barkeepers Friend to de-oxidize, and then think about a polish, or just some mineral oil. Fabric...dunno.
@b4cks4w @Mrs_Bones @Heucuva8
I'd probably try silver polish first. Is it bare metal or painted/coated?
@AlphaCentauri @b4cks4w @Heucuva8 it's supposed to be a hot pink velvet and I'm thinking maybe using a pink felt because I hate velvet. As for the metal, I believe it's not painted but I'm not positive
@Mrs_Bones @b4cks4w @Heucuva8 Felt won't flex enough to get that shape, unless you form it over a mold. Most pincushions are just plain cotton broadcloth, strong enough to hold up to pins but able to be folded and molded to the round shape. Deep purple color would go with the crown theme and be a good contrast to the usual tomato pin cushions.