Mr. Rogers: "Look for the Helpers. You will always find people who are helping."
As an Amazon Associate & eBay Partner: we earn from qualifying purchases

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

-----

Cleaning Victorian Brass Hinges

I am assisting with some renovations on a 1920's Victorian home in Newark, Ohio. The home has some beautiful oak casings, rosettes, doors and mouldings. I have found that all of the doors have the original hinges, they are spiral brass hinges, that look so black now, it appears as if they were painted black. How to I properly clean or restore the brass finish so that I don't detract from the value of the hardware.

J

Jennifer Cartwright
hobbyist - Granville, Ohio
2007

2007

First, check them with a magnet to make sure they are solid brass. Brass is non-magnetic. If they are thoroughly black it is unlikely that they have much lacquer on them, but I'd use lacquer thinner ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! flammable! anyway. After that there are almost countless commercial brass polishes. You may need something stronger like lemon juice plus salt. If this leaves the brass salmony color (too coppery) you may need to continue with something like Brasso ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil links] to restore the warmer brass color. When it looks good, lacquer it.

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

(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: