PLEASE NOTE!
Your results may vary. We cannot accept responsibility for any damage or loss of value resulting from your use of any suggestions found on this page.

Grout cleaner can be used to clean the green corrosion from brass.

Potash ages brass pulls.

Always place a cardboard or rubber gasket between metal doors and brass hardware or door knockers or discoloration will occur.

Lacquer can be removed from brass (or other metals) by dipping in a boiling solution of four tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water. Even stubborn lacquer can be removed within about fifteen minutes.

Care of Polished Brass When Installed Outside

All hardware which is exposed to the elements will ultimately develop an impaired finish. Items such as door knockers, letter box plates, or any hardware items mounted on outside doors will eventually deteriorate. The period of time from which the tarnishing will begin may vary from area to area, depending on the local atmospheric conditions, clean air standards, emission of pollutants from industry and other commercial establishments. We have seen some items deteriorate within a month while others, after three years of installation, remain in excellent condition.

Products which are exposed to sun deteriorate more quickly, since ultraviolet rays eventually affect the finish. The coefficient of expansion between the metal and its lacquer coating differs, causing hardware products exposed to bright sunlight during the day to expand to such an extent that the lacquer begins to crack, exposing the metal surface to air, rain, and pollutants.

When discoloration or deterioration of the finish occurs, we recommend that the surface of the hardware product be fully washed with warm, soapy water. This will loosen any debris accumulated in the pores of the metal. Next, lightly scrub the entire fixture using a soapy, fine metal scouring pad in order to remove the additional loose particles of lacquer that may be peeling from the hardware item. We also recommend the use of "Scotch Bright" pads (a 3-M product), soaked in light oil (3 in 1) as a method which is even more effective. After scrubbing, the metal should appear smooth and bright again. Wash the metal surface once more using warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly.

The last step to preserve the finish will be to apply a light coat of wax. If you do not have any, use clear shoe polish, applying an even coat on the entire surface and then buffing it, using a soft polishing cloth.

Your metal product will now have a semi-glossy, yellow glow which will be preserved for several months. When discoloration recurs, repeat the process. It may take several years of repeated applications of this waxing process before your hardware will have the protective coating necessary to retain its shine for a long period. As a matter of fact, the finish will become more beautiful with the years, depending on your polishing skill and zeal. The efforts are most rewarding since the hardware will eventually have a very beautiful appearance that resembles antique brass products, similar to the hardware mounted on historic homes.