Cleaning Paint Off Brass Door Hardware

Is the hardware worth saving? If the hardware is brass coated steel, but has rust spots it may be worthwhile to invest in new hinges. While these steps will remove the paint nothing can restore the brass finish once rust sets in. Below is an example of a rusty hinge that probably isn't worth saving.

Options for Cleaning Paint Off Door Hardware

Cleaning Paint Off Door Hardware with Old Pot

 

Disadvantages of Cleaning Paint Off Door Hardware with Old Pot

  • The Pot Can no Longer be Used for Cooking
  • High Heat May Remove Factory Clear Coat

Advantages of Cleaning Paint Off Door Hardware with Old Pot

  • No Chemical Solvents Needed

Supplies Needed to Clean Paint Off Hinges with Old Pot

Use a Utility Knife to Cut the Paint

 

Fill Pot with Water and Insert Hinges

Bring to a near boil for 10 to 15 minutes then remove a hinge and see if paint is easily removable.

Remove Paint with Brush and Scraper

Dry hinges and Apply Wax

Thoroughly dry the hinges with a clean rag. Once dry apply wax and buff with microfiber cloth until desired polish is reached.

Polish Hinges with Powered Buffer

Before Mounting Door Apply White Lithium Grease to the Hinges

Cleaning Paint Off Hinges with Crockpot with Liner

Advantages

  • No sacrificial pot needed
  • No Chemical Solvents Needed

Use a Utility Knife to Cut the Paint

 

Supplies

Install Crockpot Liner, Fill with Water and Insert Hinges

Let the hinges soak for a couple hours. The longer they soak the easier the pait removal will be.

Remove Paint with Brush and Scraper

Dry hinges and Apply Wax

Thoroughly dry the hinges with a clean rag. Once dry apply wax and buff with microfiber cloth until desired polish is reached.

Polish Hinges with Powered Buffer

Before Mounting Door Apply White Lithium Grease to the Hinges

Soaking in Xylene

Advantages

  • Softens Paint Making Removal Easy
  • No heat

Disadvantages

Replacing Hinges

When replacing hinges you have to know the size of your current hinges. Also, you'll have to take note of the type of corners that your hinges have. You can also purchase hinges in brass coated steel and solid brass. If you frequently have to replace your hinges due to rust you may want to look into solid brass hinges.

Measuring Hinges

Measure a hinge by laying it flat and measuring the width and height.

Measuring Hinges Corners

Hinges can have square corners, or radius corners. If you're hinges have radius corners they're most likely 5/8" or 1/4" radius. To determine the radius hold a quarter or dime up the corner. If the quarter matches the radius you have 5/8" hinges, if the dime matches you have 1/4" hinges. Below is an example of a 5/8" radius hinge.

3.5" Solid Brass Hinges with 5/8" Radius Corners

Everbilt 3-1/2 in. x 5/8 in. Solid Brass Radius Door Hinge$NaN$
Stanley Hardware CDRD759 3-1/2" X 3-1/2" Solid Brass 5/8" Radius Residential Hinge in Bright Brass$Error$

Properties

other