How to Refinish Door Hardware

Refinishing door hardware is an excellent option when dealing with older fixtures that may be difficult to replace, or in order to avoid spending a lot of money on new hardware. Most older fixtures are made of brass, which is fairly easy to clean, polish and restore. This is a job anyone can manage using the right materials.

Things You'll Need

• Denim strips
• Laundry detergent
• Fabric softener
• Philips screwdriver

Instructions

1. Remove all the door hardware. Use a Philips screwdriver to unfasten the doorknobs, hinges and any other assorted hardware. If the door is painted, you may need to break the seam around the hardware with a utility knife to completely remove it.

2. Boil the hardware in a pot with ½ tsp. liquid fabric softener and ½ tsp. powdered detergent. This solution will loosen any paint covering the hardware. Continue to boil until the paint begins to peel, usually around ten minutes.

3. Remove the hardware from the pot using a ladle, tongs or other handy kitchen utensil. Once the hardware has cooled enough to handle, scrub it with a toothbrush, emery board or other light abrasive. Do not use a wire brush, as it will permanently scratch the hardware.

4. Polish the paint-free doorknobs, hinges and assorted hardware with old strips of denim or a store-bought polishing sponge for a clean finish.

References

• Refinish Brass Door Fixtures