Domestic Science: How to Polish Brass Cabinet Hardware - Remodelista
Last year I transformed my historic butlers pantry with the help of some dark blue paint (see: Moody Midnight Pantry with Farrow & Ball Paint). For heavy tarnished brass like mine, remove the hardware before attempting to polish it. You don’t need a powerful magnet to test the authenticity of your brass. To test, simply hold a magnet up to the surface. The results of old varnish or stain the brown discolorations on these two pieces needed to be cleaned with varnish remover... ...To remove the lacquer submerge your brass piece in very hot water which will cause the brass and the lacquer to expand You can also eliminate lacquer with varnish remover and a soft, clean cloth. Using hot, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush, clean away any dirt, food, or other deposits. For wax, try carefully pouring boiling water over the spill until it melts away. Acids such as vinegar or lemon, even ketchup, can be used to clean brass. I like to start with straight white vinegar which is usually all I need to touch up a piece of mildly oxidized brass... ...Others add flour to their acid salt combos to make a paste which they leave on the brass for 10 minutes then buff away A good commercial cleaner is by far the fastest way to clean badly tarnished brass. For more heavily oxidized brass a commercial polish may be necessary Working in a well ventilated room using gloves to protect... ...your hands apply a bit of commercial metal or brass polish to your piece and gently rub with a dry clean cloth My brass hardware before and after. Note that the polished vintage handle has a soft, pleasingly matte finish, unlike the newer brass piece. Thoroughly cleaned, my brass hardware should only need a vinegar touch up every couple months. Though I do enjoy a patina, this dark room benefits from a bit of bright warmth. My pantry refresh all complete.