DIY: Vintage Brass Restoration

The 80’s called and it wants it’s brass back.

If you have shiny, tarnished, pitted or painted-over brass hardware original to your home, check out this luxe transformation before you spend thousands of dollars on new doorknobs, hinges and hardware.

Brass is back, but in a different form than the cringeworthy shiny brass of your childhood home. Today’s brass fixtures that are gracing the designs of Wearstler, Bullard, McDonald and other top designers have a warm golden tone and hand rubbed patina. We love monochromatic design schemes that boast metallic tones throughout. Few materials have the dimension and versatility of metals to add luxury and sophistication to contemporary or traditional homes.

Many brass fixtures have been coated in a lacquer that inhibit the development of a patina and preserve that dated bright brass look. On top of that, sloppy paint jobs and pitting from years of exposure to humidity can make brass fixtures look even more outdated.

For less than $10 and an afternoon, you can perform your own brass restoration. Here’s what you’ll need to remove shiny lacquer, paint residue and pitting on your brass, and restore it to it’s vintage glory:

– White Distiller Vinegar

– Large stainless pot

– Large heat-resistant slatted plastic spoon or rubber-coated tongs

– Steel Wool (we used Brillo pads with soap)

– Kitchen gloves and protective glasses

– Soft polishing cloths and paper towels

– Brasso

The restoration can get smelly, so we’d recommend doing it in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside. Wear kitchen gloves to protect hands, as well as protective eye wear. First, disassemble brass hardware and place in the bottom of a large stainless pot you don’t plan to use again for cooking. Pour in vinegar, fully covering hardware. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 3-5 minutes. Turn off heat and carefully remove hardware from pot with large heat-resistant slatted plastic spoon or rubber-coated tongs. While still wet with vinegar, polish with steel wool. Any paint or lacquer should come off easily, and pit marks and tarnish give way to a smooth even surface. Rinse and dry with paper towels. Immediately coat with a thin layer of Brasso, polishing lightly with a soft cloth. Like sterling silver, the brass may release a black tarnish onto the cloth. Make a final pass with another clean soft cloth to remove the last of any residue.

As the brass continues to cool, the final appearance will be a dimensional hand rubbed finish fit for a Hollywood mansion or chic Paris apartment. Keep in mind that uncoated brass will need to be polished regularly with Brasso to maintain it’s lustre. If a patinated finish is what you are after, enjoy the natural darkening that develops over time with frequent use and exposure to the elements. We especially love the richness of restored brass on black doors (pictured here: Benjamin Moore’s 2132-10 Black in Aura Latex Satin).