Scotland on Sunday ‘at Home’ magazine – 15 June 2008

Finishing Touches

Style Doctor

Q- I have an eight-year-old Petra Helas stone fireplace with Valor Visage fire inset that is suffering from heat marks above the fire and needs to be cleaned up and revived.  Can you suggest a treatment to make it look better? I also have a brass-coloured floor lamp that is very yellowy.  How can I restore its original pale colour? - Jeananne Harkins, by email

A - Becki Linley, Creative Director of interior refurbishment specialists Trendenza, says, "To remove the heat marks and clean the area affected on the fireplace, rub down the marks (use small circular motions, not harsh rubbing) with 10/40grd sandpaper, depending on the stone. Avoid using any chemicals on the stone as it may be porous. For the lamp, you should routinely clean brass ware with a soft dry cloth.  However, you may occasionally need to use warm soapy water (avoid detergents). Dry it off, then polish accordingly. Avoid any ammonia-based products.