Stripping Paint off Metal Hardware
This is a pretty basic question by Brownstoner standards, but bear with me… I live in a rental with what look to be rather incredible brass hardware (drawer pulls, door brackets) currently covered by several layers of white paint. I can tell that underneath that paint is some intricately patterned metal work, and I’d like…
This is a pretty basic question by Brownstoner standards, but bear with me… I live in a rental with what look to be rather incredible brass hardware (drawer pulls, door brackets) currently covered by several layers of white paint. I can tell that underneath that paint is some intricately patterned metal work, and I’d like to expose it. What’s the easiest, most non-toxic method? I am able to remove the hardware. I have no access to outdoor space and have pets, so I want to keep this clean and fume-free if possible.
Yep, usually just boiling in water will work. Try that first, then add a little baking soda if it doesn’t. Be careful buffing the brass…try superfine steel wool or white scotch brite in an unobtrusive area first.
Also, in my experience, the metal needs to be still hot for the paint to come off best. So it is usually really easy when the item is first out of the pot and then gets more difficult. I just put the item back in at that point and move on to the next one, coming back once it’s hot again. I did a huge batch of brass hooks recently–very satisfying.
Brownstoner linked to this post back when I wrote it….
http://reclaimedhome.com/2009/07/08/boiling-hardware/
Soak the items you want stripped in Coca-Cola. A little steel wool at the end will leave your metal bare and, if a metal that will shine up, shiny and new looking.
yes, use an old pot. Really easy, works well, and non-toxic (except the paint residue but it’s very safe to handle in wet, no-airborne form). you can use plain water, or add some baking soda. I’ve cleaned a bunch of house hardware this way and it is by far the best and cleanest method. IF you get impatient, you can pull the pieces out of the water wearing heavy-duty heat-proof gloves and scrub with steal wool, though be careful of the finish.
Ya dont need a crock pot just heat it up in water in some crummy pot that you are gonna throw out. simmer etc. Martha stewart living probably has the complete instructions.
the crockpot trick will work. you can buy a new cheap one (or scour the flea markets) for less than what a store will charge you to professionally strip.
Or just gather it up and send it out to Park Slope Paint Strippers. If it’s enough stuff they’ll probably even come pick it up for you.
I used an old crock pot (which I threw away afterwards) to heat up water with a small amount of laundry detergent (All, Tide, anything will do). The paint literally fell off the pieces. Underneath all those layers is a beauty waiting to be uncovered. Good Luck.
Allan S.