You need a clean cloth and some brass cleaner like brasso to remove the tarnish.
Relaquer brass door handle.
To remove any remaining flakes from nooks and crannies cut thin strips of clean cloth and pull back and forth over any indentations.
Boarder off the brass from the surrounding area using painters tape.
Infuriatingly however some of the kitchen knobs were still very glossy 80s brass and looked brand new.
Create a solution of water and baking soda.
Try using a high gloss urethane or uv resistant clear lacquer to the brass object.
If you do not have a pot large enough you can dip the brass halfway into the pot then do the other side.
You ll need to refinish any of the tarnished areas of the brass.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc with tin or aluminum added to some types for corrosion and tarnish resistance.
Brass objects are often coated with a lacquer finish to help protect them from tarnishing and discoloration.
Apply 3 or 4 coats of lacquer to the item allowing the lacquer to dry completely between coats.
After you polish the brass you will want to protect it by applying a protective coating to the surface.
Consult the lacquer manufacturer s guidelines for the distance it should be sprayed from and drying times.
Using a paintbrush will help you reach crevices when applying a commercial lacquer remover.
Cleaning and polishing brass door knobs and hardware is an excellent do it yourself project but re plating is best left to professional restorers.
Spray a layer of lacquer over the brass in thin layers.
Buff the brass to a shiny finish by scrubbing in a circular motion with a polishing cloth or some old crinkled newspaper.
This is to stop the lacquer from getting onto other areas such as wood on doors or glass panels.
From wear and use some of the brass had started to develop a gorgeous patina that matched that of the original brass door knobs that were installed by my great grandfather in the 1950s.
Exposure to elements causes brass to eventually become corroded and discolored.
Watch more housekeeping tips videos.
.jpg)
