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De-lacquering new hardware

We are a window restoration company that specializes in historic solutions for many window problems. Recently we had a project requiring de-lacquered brass hardware for some reproduction window locks and lifts. What product or team of products could we use? The major concern is discoloration and if soaked will this damage the "inner workings" of our locks? The main reason in doing this is that we own our own hardware store. We stock many types of brass hardware and over time our clients would like the brass to tarnish and keep that "old look" for an aesthetic appearance by restoration standards. Thanks for listening.

Craig Ouellette
Restorer - Waltham, MA U.S.A.
April 4, 2008

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Hi, Craig. If it really is brass lacquer, you should be able to easily remove it with acetone ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! or lacquer thinner ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly flammable! . If it's something else, or unknown origin, you can try a strong paint stripper like Zipstrip, but trial and error may be your actual recourse. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 6, 2008