Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

How to Refinish brass hinges

My son has bought a house that was built in the '30's. He wanted to reuse the locks on the windows. After cleaning them he lost the brass finish, but decided that he could live with the silvery look. A few days later, he was going to install them...surprise-they had rusted. Is there something we can put on them to prevent the rust? Thanks

Brenda R [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Luling, Louisiana
2003

Due to their age and/or the aggressiveness of the cleaning, the brass plating was removed from the items, Brenda. The bare steel underneath it may temporarily look shiny, but it very quickly rusts, as you discovered.

You can paint them, or send them to a plating shop for replating.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: