Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
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Painting brass plated plumbing fixtures to restore them
Q. I just purchased a home that is 27 years old with brass plated or coated faucets. Most of them have part of the brass worn off and it looks like half copper and 1/2 brass now. Some of them even are rusted. Is there a spray or paint you can apply to cover the copper and make them look new again. The contrast is so obvious the faucets look old and worn.
Lisa Simoneaux- Lake Forest, California, USA
2003
A. Well, they are old and worn, Lisa :-)
Unfortunately, the damp environment, the very high wear aspect, and the difficulty of painting bright metals with good adhesion conspire to make painting of faucets very hard to do.
A plating shop can replate them for you, though. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. I have a kitchen facet, made of brass that was originally painted. I had automobile acrylic enamel paint mixed to match the color. I refinished by first using automobile primer and then the color paint. Over several months the paint on the neck, which is the thinnest metal, developed blisters and the paint flaked off. What should I use of do to refinish?
Paul BittnerRetired computer spec. also do private handyman work - Pleasant Hill, California
2005
A. A faucet is, in my opinion and experience, one of the hardest things to paint successfully, Paul. That's one reason you see so few painted faucets for sale even though the manufacturers have all sorts of tools available that a homeowner doesn't have. If it's of great value to you, have it replated; if not, think about replacing it.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005
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