Tarnished Brass Front Door Handle

Brass plated metal and solid brass.

Tarnished brass front door handle.

Think before you buy. Brass handles come in two varieties. How you approach the project depends what kind of brass you have how badly tarnished or degraded it is and whether it is solid or plated. Guide to brass refinishing.

Be sure to refer to the product s manual for more information. Brass door handles can become dull and tarnished but you can reverse that process with vinegar or lemon juice. Not all door handles are created equally. If the magnet sticks to the handle it is brass plated rather than solid brass.

Considerations before cleaning brass copper door knobs and hardware. Constant polishing is frustrating. To determine whether your handles are brass plated or solid brass hold a magnet near the handle. Here is a before and after picture of my brass door handles.

The brass refinishing process is relatively easy. Lacquered brass can be damaged easily by rings and keys and these little cuts in the lacquer will allow the air to tarnish the metal underneath over time. Brass and copper are two traditional door handle and hinge materials that are seeing a resurgence in popularity in modern homes. If you plan to only replace the door handle itself your old door handle will indicate what kind you need to purchase so bring it with.

It adds an elegant touch to any home s decor. Once you have removed excess dirt and grime from your hardware you re ready to disinfect it. The brass had not been polished for 15 years. Remove the hardware from the door so the finish of the door will not be affected.

Disinfect your door hardware. After the coating is loosened use grade 0000 steel wool to remove the coating and to polish the brass. On a newspaper covered surface brush the handles and plates with lacquer remover. It is also a popular choice for cookware and home fixtures.

Screws will be located on the front of the door handle or hidden on the side of the door with the latch. I refinished door knocker letter slot cover and door lock handle assembly see attached picture. Don t forget to also remove the latch. Cleaning polishing and restoring brass door knobs can add sparkle and a touch of class to a home.

This durable metal doesn t rust and has acoustic properties making it a good choice for musical instruments. Pay special attention to the disinfectants ingredients. Brass brings a warm burnished glow to household items everything from switch plates and door knockers to bathroom fixtures furniture and even kitchen utensils. Some contain harsh or abrasive chemicals that will damage the finish of your hardware.

The best way to clean lacquered polished brass is to remove surface dust with a soft cloth and then use a mild solution of soapy warm water to clean sticky or dirty.