Restoration of Doorknob Brass Finishes

RFQ: Hi, I need help finding someone who can restore my 29 Emtek door knobs for door locks. I bought them maybe 6 months ago and would like to have them repainted with the same finished look color as satin brass.

I would hate to have to order new ones all again and waste money. I prefer to have these knobs just repainted, retouched; they are scratched. I am hoping to hear back from you as soon as possible! Daisy Medrano
home owner - Texas
August 24, 2024
    privately respond to this RFQ
Ed. note: As always, gentle readers: technical replies in public and commercial replies in private please (huh? why?)

Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors and repetition  🙂

Q. I am a certified installer of Baldwin Brass Locks. I have a number of customers who are interested in restoring the exterior finish of the plates which have become severely tarnished. Please advise as to the best method of bring back a bright brass finish.

Many Thanks.

A. To refinish Baldwin hardware your local electro plating co. or metal polishing company can help . The process is stripping the clear coat and repolish, then clear lacquer coat.

Gary Patigler
- Richmond, California

A. Baldwin was the first company to introduce PVD coatings on locks, so you may not have a plated product. They offered them with lifetime guarantees, so it may be possible that your hardware is under warranty. I would suggest checking with them.

I should add that the PVD coatings do last much longer than the lacquered units, so you may also consider replacing your door hardware.

Jim Treglio - scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover
San Diego, California

? Sorry, I couldn't help but wonder if you will be refinishing one of Baldwin's "lifetime finishes".

Jake Koch
G. J. Nikolas &Co.,Inc.

Bellwood, Illinois

Q. Jim,

1) When did Baldwin introduce the PVD "Lifetime Finish" for door hardware? I just bought one of these locks for my front door.

2) Is it Titanium Nitride or Titanium Carbonide or ?

Thanks,