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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
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for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Lacquer Removal from Brass Hardware
Q. Our brass outside door hardware appears to have been lacquered originally, but the lacquer is worn off in spots. When I polish with Brasso, the parts where the lacquer is worn off shines nicely, but the blackened lacquer parts don't respond at all. How can I remove the remains of the lacquer and get down to solid brass. Then I can polish and clear coat it.
Edwin Felch- Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
2001
A. Dear Edwin,
Try using some acetone ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! to strip the remaining lacquer off of your piece. If that doesn't work, it's because the coating was baked on, you'll need to get a stripper with methylene chloride in it. These are both dangerous chemicals, you must use them in an area with ventilation, and you need a activated carbon respirator ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . I strongly advise you to find more information about methylene chloride before using it, this may be a carcinogen. Once you get it all stripped off, continue polishing with Brasso ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , then clean with acetone ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! to remove the compound off the piece, clear coat and you are done. If you don't want to go through this trouble, try a polishing shop in your area.
Good Luck
Jake KochG. J. Nikolas &Co.,Inc.
Bellwood, Illinois
2001
Q. I found what I believe is a hand-made spittoon. I cleaned it then put lacquer on it, now want to take
it off.
Thank You
- Hubbardsville, New York, U.S.A.
May 10, 2012
A. Hi Brenda.
If you put actual brass lacquer on it, it should be readily removable with acetone ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! as suggested by Jake. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
May 11, 2012
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