Step-By-Step: How To Polish Brass Hardware

Whether you are getting your house ready to sell or just want to spruce it up, consider polishing your brass hardware as an easy do it yourself home improvement project. Polishing your brass doorknobs gives your home a new look. Easy DIY projects like this will help you save money and sell your house faster.

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[billysgeo]

@w2tgr Thats what I thought too. If you can, It'll definitely make for an easier job!

[Greenstead]

Very nice watch you are wearing. What make/brand is it?

[w2tgr]

Why wouldnt you remove the hardware? Unreal

[steffa1985]

He is very good at polishing his knob.

[sanjieev]

@Wabaanimkii he did not say it will rust, he said the oxidation and the oils transferred to the door nob will eat away, "just like rust"

[Intentionallyy]

@Wabaanimkii no it doesnt rust but it does oxidize

[Wabaanimkii]

Brass doesn't rust....

He did a good job though.

[Lumpyone]

The last step is to use lacquer to recoat the parts.

FIRST, wash the parts in soap and water. Polishes have oil in them, which will interfere with the lacquer.

I dip the parts in the lacquer, and have a rack etc. ready to let them dry...they can be dry in as little as 10 minutes if coats are thin.

DO NOT recoat unless you are careful to watch for runs and drips.

Do this OUTSIDE, again, the fumes are highly flammable.

I use disposable chip brushes (do NOT use foam brushes) to coat the parts.

[Lumpyone]

The lockset will work more smoothly/quietly, it's lubed for 30-40 years, dust and debris permitting.

While it's apart, ask the client if they want keys. It's still possible to get keys made, or YOU can modify 'skeleton' keys similar to the ones that were originally used, and with small fine files modify them to fit exactly. Remember, keys should work FROM BOTH SIDES.

When I do a lock restoration, I insert a note with repair date, name etc.

I place the note behind the lockset in the mortise.

[Lumpyone]

As long as the knob and plate are off (so you don't damage the door), remove the mortise lockset, clean it and lubricate it with lithium or white grease, just a little, it goes a LONG way.

WARNING: Lose parts and you are SCREWED.

Work over a white sheet so if the spring(s) goes away (SPROING!), you can find them easily.

And before you disassemble the lockset, REMEMBER WHAT PART GOES WHERE. Consider taking a picture with your phone or other camera, FIRST.

reassemble and install.