I buffed a brass button on my purse, and it removed some of the gold color. How to fix?

Question

I buffed the button to get a scratch out and was left with a small spot that is lighter than the rest. How can I restore the color?

Answer 1

The question is Are all your buttons solid brass? if no, you have a problem because they will be either brass plated or brass lacquered. So for starters buff all of them in the same way. Se the result - Happy or sad?
If sad you will probably have to buy an aerosol of brass paint and spray the. First of all get a piece of cardboard and cut a slot in it so it can just run through the button fixing at the back then lightly spray once or twice and avoid runs. The alternative is to buy a small jar of brass enamel and brush it on.

Answer 2

Test that button with a magnet. The odds are it was brass-plated steel and will stick tot he magnet. If it is steel you have scraped the brass off. You can try getting a brass touchup paint in a craft store to replace the scraped off finish. If it is real brass (unlikely) you can use brass polish to reshine that button.

Alternatively while you are looking around that craft store you can look for a full set of replacement buttons to sew on so they will all match.

Answer 3

With all due respect the coloration was "probably" plated or painted on. Perhaps the best option might be "Michaels" and some tint substance that will equate to near the original...

I'll assume that it's unlikely the "buttons"/button can be replaced? Also without knowing the value of the purse, you might return it? I'll also assume that you like the purse, and certainly might attempt a cover up that may never be known or noticed by anyone but you. Don't tell anyone...smile.

Steven Wolf