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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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How to Refinish brass hinges

My son has bought a house that was built in the '30's. He wanted to reuse the locks on the windows. After cleaning them he lost the brass finish, but decided that he could live with the silvery look. A few days later, he was going to install them...surprise-they had rusted. Is there something we can put on them to prevent the rust? Thanks

Brenda R [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Luling, Louisiana
2003

Due to their age and/or the aggressiveness of the cleaning, the brass plating was removed from the items, Brenda. The bare steel underneath it may temporarily look shiny, but it very quickly rusts, as you discovered.

You can paint them, or send them to a plating shop for replating.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

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