Ultrasonic Solution to Clean Door Hardware

[tperk100]

Doing front entry facelift. Was going to just replace 15 yr old tarnished (antique brass?) latch and deadbolt set but occurred to me that I might be able to clean it in my ultrasonic. Anyone know of a DIY solution that might work?

Thanks

 

[Jswain]

Citric acid. A very small amount. Start with a quarter teaspoon in some warm water and keep an eye on it. If you use too much it can turn a pinkish color

 

[ChevyEFI]

I thought brass was readily able to take a polishing.

 

[dogdog]

I just use NEVR-DULL on brass cleanups... .if you have a buffer, would make the job heck lot easier but otherwise, elbow grease. It can bring out some 50+ year old dull brass mail box to shinny and bright.

There is also brasso, but I don't think it is as effective as the NEVR-DULL.

 

[tperk100]

Started out with Brasso, Dremel, Elbow, Buffer.... Gave up. Don't have patience for Knocker, Deadbolt, and Latch set. Am trying to clean with Citric now.

 

[turbowoodworker]

For U/S cleaning of brass, I use RCBS branded cleaner. It works on 7.62, it should work on hardware.

 

[dogdog]

Started out with Brasso, Dremel, Elbow, Buffer.... Gave up. Don't have patience for Knocker, Deadbolt, and Latch set. Am trying to clean with Citric now.

would be interested in the results. post some pics.

 

[pwhittle]

We just had our front door hardware powdercoated.

It was much cheaper and faster that replacing it.





Paul


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[tperk100]

For U/S cleaning of brass, I use RCBS branded cleaner. It works on 7.62, it should work on hardware.

Sold Out......Everywhere

 

[tperk100]

would be interested in the results. post some pics.

Don't have before pic. Take my word for it. This knocker was black. But let me splain how my **** self went about this.

First tried mostly water with drop of Dawn and tbsp of bleach. No help.
Next tried citric as suggested above. Knocker turning orange but not brassy looking. Added more Citric. Now turning Real orange.
Next tried internet recipe for cleaning brass ammo cases. 3 Qts Water, 3 Cups Vinegar, 3 Tbsp Salt, 3 Tbsp Dawn. No change.

Through all this I ran my U/S for 30 minutes at 140 degrees about 6 times

At this point I'm ready to trash the knocker which was the original plan since this grumpy old man don't want nobody to come a knocking anyway.

BUT...something made me try the Brasso again. Amazingly I only needed to apply, let it sit for a few minutes, and rub lightly with a toothbrush. it worked like a charm.

This knocker is real brass. I don't know what I am in for with the latch set.

 

[gungatim]

I find the problem with the high end brass door hardware is that it is clear coated, which eventually disintegrates. that makes the polishing take forever. you can clean the clear coat off with chemical stripper but it will be like polished aluminum rims.

you'll need to constantly polish every month unless you clear coat it again.

 

[tperk100]

I find the problem with the high end brass door hardware is that it is clear coated, which eventually disintegrates. that makes the polishing take forever. you can clean the clear coat off with chemical stripper but it will be like polished aluminum rims.

you'll need to constantly polish every month unless you clear coat it again.

Funny you should say. I plan on coating it with something, but don't know what yet. Any suggestions?

 

[gungatim]

Funny you should say. I plan on coating it with something, but don't know what yet. Any suggestions?

clear epoxy works, you can get it in a spray can with the hardener in the bottom. pierce the can and mix. it isn't cheap though. I bought some but never got the finish I wanted and never used it.

I gave up and just bought a new set. could have saved $60 if I just replaced it to begin with, lol...

 

[RTM]

I am a big fan of SimiChrome for brass, Available in tubes and tubs. Breaks down the chemical problem, with a bit of polish. And yeah, you will need a clear coat, or lots of maintenance.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YUQ4E/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Funny you should say. I plan on coating it with something, but don't know what yet. Any suggestions?

Krylon makes clear sprays. Satin, gloss clear, ... they say it is “triple thick”.
Easy to use. Dries fast. Go with a few THIN coats to prevent runs.

 

[dogdog]

I found the automotive 2K clear coats with the hardener are better....

might be better if you have a powder coating tools and get the clear powder coat ?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TMW1H3G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Jswain]

Try less heat and half the amount of citric for the next batch and it should help it from turning orange/pink