The front door of your home has a substantial impact on curb appeal. Brass hardware can accentuate a beautiful door, but over time it can begin to look less attractive. If you want to improve the look of some old brass door hardware that you want to use on your new entry door, you can restore it. Here, you'll learn how to restore brass hardware and care for it to keep it looking great for years to come.
Restoration Process
To bring the brass back to its original shine, you'll need the following things:
Step 1: Prep Work – Lay out a few sheets of newspaper to protect the work surface.
Step 2: Apply the Lacquer Remover – Use the paint brush to apply a thin coat of lacquer remover to the brass hardware. Allow the hardware to sit for about a half hour to soften the coating on it.
Step 3: Remove the Coating – Use the steel wool to rub the coating on the brass. It can take a little while to remove it all, but it will come off. If you need to, repeat steps 1 and 2 until the coating is gone.
Step 4: Remove the Lacquer Remover – Get a bucket of hot, soapy water. Wash the fixtures, rinse them well, and lay them out to dry.
Step 5: Wax the Hardware – Use a soft, clean cloth to apply the car wax to the fixture. The wax will seal the surface and prevent corrosion. Buff the hardware until it shines.
Step 6: Install the Hardware – Once the cleaning and buffing process is complete, install the hardware and give it one last buff to remove your fingerprints.
Care for the Brass Door Hardware
Restored and new brass door hardware needs to be properly cared for. Doing so will prevent the need to remove it and restore it again anytime in the near future. Here's how to care for already-installed brass door hardware:
Step 1: Apply auto wax to new brass fixtures to seal them up and protect them from the elements.
Step 2: Clean the hardware every couple of weeks using a clean, soft cloth. Dampen the cloth if needed, but don't use Windex or any other cleaners that contain ammonia. The ammonia will pull the protective coating off of the finish.
Talk with your entry door installation professionals to learn more about caring for the door and the fixtures. He or she will assist you in coming up with a care plan that will keep everything looking its best.
Share18 March 2018
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