Take them to pieces and boil in a strong solution of soda to remove old lacquer and dirt. Dip in a weak solution of nitric acid and re-polish them. Then make them hot in an oven or on a hot plate and brush over with pale gold or gold lacquer. Candlesticks may be freshened up by brushing them over with a coating of zapon or brassoline, which may be procured through a chemist or oil and colour stores.