Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

Restoration contractor needs to remove "lifetime" finish from brass hardware?

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Hi- I am a contractor and specialize in historically accurate restorations and renovations. In most cases, we use hardware in polished, but non-lacquered brass. Increasingly, simple polished brass is difficult to find and in some circumstances the needed hardware is only available in a "lifetime" finish. I have tried, but been unsuccessful in removing the "lifetime" finish. Does anyone know what solvent will work? Would it be possible to re-coat the hardware after the appropriate level of "aging" occurs? I'd appreciate any tips.

Christopher Shuping
contractor - Chapel Hill, NC USA
2007

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Usually the lifetime finishes are electroplated nickel followed by a zirconium nitride or similar PVD hardcoat layer. It is a bit difficult but not impossible to chemically remove these finishes. A local plating shop will have the necessary strippers.

However, there are a number of smaller fixture suppliers who offer brass or plated finishes; I think your best route would be to find those suppliers rather than struggling to remove a finish that is expensive, doesn't fit, isn't wanted, and is deliberately difficult to remove :-)

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007