Repairing Vintage Doorknobs

Many vintage doorknobs are made from glass, brass or other metals. These unique pieces of hardware from the past offer a vintage look in your home. Replica vintage doorknobs are available at many hardware stores, or you can use actual vintage pieces. With time many vintage doorknobs accumulate grime, and begin to look dismal. Some common household products will help repair these vintage accessories.

Mild detergent
Soft cloths
Paint remover
Ammonia
Brass or metal cleaner
Automotive hand cleanser
Lacquer finish

Instructions

- 1
  Clean any glass parts on the doorknob with mild detergent, water and a soft cloth.
- 2
  Wipe the paint off the vintage doorknob with a soft cloth moistened with paint remover. Avoid paint removes that contain acid.
- 3
  If the doorknob has parts that are brass or another metal, soak the doorknob in ammonia for one hour. Remove the doorknob from the solution, and rub a small amount of brass or metal cleaner on the metal parts with a soft cloth. Repeat the process of rubbing the cleaner over the metal several times.
- 4
  Wipe gunk from the metal plate or knob with automotive hand cleaner and a moist, soft cloth. The hand cleaner will loosen debris on the plate without damaging it.
- 5
  Spray a clear lacquer finish over the brass parts of the vintage doorknob to protect the doorknob from being tarnished again. Lacquer finish is not appropriate for exterior knobs, metals besides brass and glass knobs or parts.

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