Relaquer Brass Door Handle

Cleaning and polishing brass door knobs and hardware is an excellent do it yourself project but re plating is best left to professional restorers.

Relaquer brass door handle.

Consult the lacquer manufacturer s guidelines for the distance it should be sprayed from and drying times. Exposure to elements causes brass to eventually become corroded and discolored. Apply 3 or 4 coats of lacquer to the item allowing the lacquer to dry completely between coats. Brass objects are often coated with a lacquer finish to help protect them from tarnishing and discoloration.

After you polish the brass you will want to protect it by applying a protective coating to the surface. Create a solution of water and baking soda. You ll need to refinish any of the tarnished areas of the brass. You need a clean cloth and some brass cleaner like brasso to remove the tarnish.

Infuriatingly however some of the kitchen knobs were still very glossy 80s brass and looked brand new. Buff the brass to a shiny finish by scrubbing in a circular motion with a polishing cloth or some old crinkled newspaper. From wear and use some of the brass had started to develop a gorgeous patina that matched that of the original brass door knobs that were installed by my great grandfather in the 1950s. Spray a layer of lacquer over the brass in thin layers.

To remove any remaining flakes from nooks and crannies cut thin strips of clean cloth and pull back and forth over any indentations. If you do not have a pot large enough you can dip the brass halfway into the pot then do the other side. A door handle with a smooth finish will be much easier to de lacquer than an ornate candlestick with intricate details. This is to stop the lacquer from getting onto other areas such as wood on doors or glass panels.

Using 1 tablespoon for each quart of water combine your ingredients in a saucepan or pot large enough to house your brass item. Watch more housekeeping tips videos. Small cracks and pinholes can develop in the protective coating which expose the bare metal to water vapor and oxygen. Boarder off the brass from the surrounding area using painters tape.