How to Restore Antique Hardware

Antique hardware comes from furniture, windows, doors, trunks and other objects. Much of it is made of brass, but silver, bronze, pewter and metal composites were sometimes used. These antique knobs, pulls, feet, locks, latches and hinges were both functional and decorative. Furniture and architectural elements are more complete and of more value when the hardware is polished and restored.

Things You'll Need

• Small brush
• Several soft cloths
• Liquid soap
• Brass polish
• Lacquer

Instructions

1. Remove the hardware from the furniture or architectural piece, because cleaners and polishes easily damage wood. Be sure to keep together any hardware made of more than one piece. Drawer pulls, for example, may have a small pin that holds the handle tight to the drawer from the inside.

   Note: If the hardware cannot be removed, like door hinges, carefully cover the surrounding area with plastic wrap or painters tape.

2. Soak the hardware in soap and water and then scrub each piece to remove any dirt, grime, soot or oils. Use a small brush or cotton swabs to access small crevices. Particularly dirty hardware may need a second soaking. Carefully rinse off all soap residue.

3. Polish each piece of hardware using a commercial polish appropriate for the material: brass, silver, pewter. Alternatively, make a polish from calcium carbonate mixed with distilled water or rubbing alcohol. Carefully polish each piece using a circular motion. Rewash each piece of hardware to remove all residue from the polish. Rinse carefully an extra time. Polish reside will damage the hardware and any wood that it touches.

   Note: Not all antique hardware was intended to be bright and shiny. Some pieces were created with a dark finish.

4. Decide if you want to lacquer the hardware. The advantage of applying lacquer is that the metal is protected from wear. The disadvantage is that the resultant shine may appear too bright for antique pieces. If you decide to apply a commercial lacquer, wipe off all finger marks. Then use a paintbrush to apply the lacquer evenly. Allow to dry.

5. Rejoin the hardware to its original furniture or architectural piece. If anything was protectively wrapped or taped, carefully remove the plastic or tape.

Tips & Warnings

• When using calcium carbonate, also called whiting, instead of commercial metal polish, mix it with rubbing alcohol or distilled water to make a sludge. Use this to polish your hardware.

• Be gentle. All polishing takes away some of the metal, so polish gently.

References

• The Care and Preservation of Historical Brass and Bronze
• How to Clean Brass Like a Professional