What should I use to restore old door knobs?

Question

I have a turn of the century apartment with very old doors/knobs. They are beautiful Victorian style door knobs and I was wondering if it would be most effective to remove the knob and soak in some sort of chemical, or just scrub them to death with something. I don't want to damage the wood doors and Brasso wasn't quite doing the trick, i need something industrial for these babies. Any sort of chemical I can use? I just get frusterated looking for these things at the hardware store. Thanks!

Answer 1

Are they Glass or Brass???

Answer 2

When you want to restore brass, first is to coat it with petroleum distillates ( i recommend wearing rubber/latex/Nitrite gloves). The Petrol will cause a chemical reaction with the patina and brass to separate. I recommend first using Nevr-Dull, then use brasso second. Finish after brasso with Nevr-Dull to make those knobs GLOW yellow again! Nevr Dull and Brasso are Brand names I used in Both the Army and as an Interior Designer. Good Luck to YOU!!

Answer 3

If theyre brass, clean them thouroughly with strong detergent & hot water to remove all the organic crud.
If you insist on doing it yourself , be patient.
Some of the old ways are best & less likely to cause damage.
Salt & vinegar solution rubbed on with a rough cloth or bronze wool.
Marine supply stores have all kinds of stuff for maintaining brass & bronze.
Taking them off & scrubbing them to death with brass polish works also if you are not into antique restoration.

Answer 4

This polish called "Liquid Gold" is wonderful, I use it all the time it shines wood to a shimmer and gold like plated items to an unbelievable shine. They sell it even at the grocery store in the cleaners aisle. I swear by the stuff.

Answer 5

They might have been plated & the finish is all wore off.

If they were brass the Brasso would have helped.

Answer 6

Noxon is what professionals use. Buy it at any hardware store.