Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Refinishing of brass door knobs, hinges, handles ...
RFQ: One old brass entry door handle needs refinished with bright brass and lacquered. I want to keep the door and the newer brass handle holes don't line up. Please contact me if you will do single jobs like this.
Robert W [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]Retiree - Franklin, Kentucky, USA
2003
Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)
A. There is no particular difficulty in this job, Robert -- but you need to consider that when a door handle is built, it is one of hundreds that are simultaneously processed on automatic machinery. Plus you can't replate an item until all the scratches have been buffed out. So, when you want a single handle polished, buffed, cleaned, activated, plated, and lacquered, it will certainly take a plating shop employee an hour or more. Think what a plumber or mechanic charges for an hour or so of their time. So it often costs significantly more to replate an old handle than you would pay for a new one.
If you have an heirloom, or door hardware where you can't match dimensions, quality replating is available, but please don't think people are trying to rob you: a lot of labor is involved. Good luck!
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004
Q. I am interested in refinishing door hardware (handles, knobs, backplates, hinges, etc.) rather than buying news ones when rehabbing houses for resale or rental. Most old hardware has a polished brass finish that has been worn off through years of use. I am not sure what base metal is used in most hardware. However, I am looking to refinish the hardware in a brushed nickel or dark bronze that is currently popular. Hardware for an average house would run $750 to $1,000 to replace. Would it be possible to refinish them myself for less than that amount? If so, what would be the preferred method?
Tim FisherHome remodeler - Cary, North Carolina, USA
May 10, 2009
A. Hi, Tim. You can paint them yourself using a Self-etching primer ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] followed by a topcoat in your choice of fancy metallic colors. But they won't look as good or last as long as real brushed nickel plating or dark bronze plating, which must be done by a plating shop.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
May , 2009
Q. Read about the Fusion primer. I have 17" stainless steel or brushed nickel handles on a large cast iron soaking bathtub. Remodeling the bath we need to change the finish on the tub handles. Picked oil brushed bronze finish on stock sink/shower hardware. Can I refinish the handles instead of purchasing new for $390.00 (ouch). please recommend how or if I need to go to a plater. Thanks much.
Kenn Liss- Rochester, Illinois, USA
October 13, 2011
A. Hi, Kenn.
After a self-etching primer (not Fusion®, which I understand is for plastic rather than metal), you can try an oil rubbed bronze spray paint, preferably followed by a clearcoat.
Its durability will be in question if these handles suffer a lot of moisture or wear, and the aesthetics will be in the eye of the beholder. Consider it a learning experience rather than a solution, and be prepared to replace the handles if you don't like it. Best of luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 27, 2011
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