how to make old n rusty main door knob shine ?

Question

the main door knob, door handle and key holes i think its made of copper metal. how to make it look like new ?

Answer 1

If the door knob and escutcheon plates( keyholes!) are made of copper, or(most likely) brass then they are not covered in rust but are oxidised.

The best way to clean would be to buy a proprietary brass cleaner from a hardware store- you could always take one of the escutcheon plates with you so the shop assistant can confirm which metal it is.

Failing that the vinegar/ brown sauce option is good. then finish off with a cream cleaner( Cif). But as always test on the back of the escutcheons first to test compatibility.

Answer 2

You can buff up a old, oxidized brass door knob using a metal cleaner for brass and copper. I once took and old door knob that was dark greenish grey, almost black, and polished it back up to a bright, shiny highly reflective brass. After you do this, however, you must apply some lacquer to the metal immediately or in a few days it will start to tarnish again.

You may need a polishing wheel or a buffing pad used on something like a Mouse sander. It's a lot of work to get these things bright again but it can be done.

Answer 3

As others have said, they are probably tarnished brass. I had the same problem. I first had to remove the old lacquer that was applied to retard tarnishing. I did this by removing the hardware and coating with lacquer remover, following the directions on the can. I removed all lacquer and using Brasso, cleaned to a shine. Lastly I sprayed with clear lacquer and after drying, re-installed. Did it 3 years ago, and still shiny.

Answer 4

did you not do the coca cola test in jr high?it eats battery acid, but I've used rust remover by bondo it works well, although a can of coke a a doller store wire brush is cheaper! if you have a dremmel that would get all the inset details.

Answer 5

Once you get them all cleaned up you might want to spay them with a clear coat to slow the oxidation process. A couple of coats, dried in between, will keep them looking good longer.

Answer 6

you can get a cleaner at home depot or Lowe's but the cheep way is a soft brush and toothpaste it works really good ,just scrub the paste on it with the soft brush , a tooth brush is good to use , then rinse it with warm water on soft rag ,,, good luck

Answer 7

unscrew it and soak in brown vinegar for several hours - this will eat the rust - then scrub with wire brush or steel wool.