In old houses one often finds objects such as air vents, handles and latches of windows and doors, knobs made of brass that have been covered with paint. Here is an easy way to highlight your ancient treasures and make them shine.
Steps
Step 1. Remove the brass objects from their seat
Step 2. Place a few items at a time in an old saucepan you don't care about
The saucepan must not be aluminum. Ceramics, stainless steel or glass are actually the only suitable materials. Aluminum reacts in unpredictable ways with vinegar and brass. Place the saucepan on a gas stove or hot plate that can be plugged outside or in a well-ventilated garage.
Step 3. Pour the white vinegar into the saucepan until the painted objects are submerged
Step 4. Turn on the stove and bring the vinegar to a simmer, then start simmering
The paint will begin to soften and peel off after a few minutes. Do not boil pieces that are not solid brass for long periods; vinegar tends to dissolve the brass plating where it has thinned with use, such as pull handles (window handles).
Step 5. Take one of the objects with pliers and place it on a newspaper
Step 6. Wearing heavy rubber gloves, scrub the peeling paint with 0.05mm fine steel wool
Use a bamboo skewer, toothpick, or wire brush to reach any difficult crevices.
Step 7. Continue scrubbing with 0.035mm extra fine steel wool until the paint comes off
Step 8. Repeat the process for the remaining pieces, later adding new items to the saucepan to avoid 'overcooking'
Step 9. Luster with metal polish if needed
Advice
- Do this job only if you can open the windows and use a fan. The smell of boiling vinegar can be overpowering and impregnate your hair and clothing.
- For bulky items such as air grills, use an inexpensive baking sheet.
Warnings
- However well you may wash it, do not reuse the saucepan or pan for cooking. Old paint often contains lead. Lead is poisonous and can cause brain damage in children and reproductive defects in adults.
- It is not recommended to use this technique on vines. Most brass screws are not solid brass, but thinly plated. They would lose all traces of brass in minutes.
- Items get hot when removed from boiling vinegar - be sure to use high protection gloves.
