How To Remove Rust From Antique Door Hardware​?

It may be a vintage doorknob, an old hinge, or a historic lock, antique door hardware gets every home a unique character. These items are very beautiful and are crafted in a manner that modern hardware will never approximate. Unfortunately, all of them are prone to rust or corrosion owing to the environmental conditions.

So, if you have stumbled upon some antique door hardware, you might be curious about how to clean it. Don’t worry – it is entirely possible to clean the rust off your hardware and to ensure that it lasts for the next generations with the right tools and techniques. At The King’s Bay, we appreciate the need to maintain such heirlooms really well so that is why we have prepared this comprehensive tutorial on how to remove rust from your antique door hardware.

Causes Of Rusting On Antique Door Hardware

However, before we discuss the removal process, it is worth explaining how rust occurs in the first place. Rust is a byproduct of the ferrous oxidization, which occurs in the presence of oxygen and moisture in the atmosphere. If iron or steel hardware is not properly covered or maintained and moisture is present such as in humid weather, rain or exposure to salt air or sea, then rust can form on the hardware iron or steel. As for older door fittings, these were often composed either of iron or brass. Both metals are prone to rusting if not taken care of well.

Tools You’ll Need

The process of removing rust from antique door knobs and hinges entails some effort. However, it can be made easier if the right equipment and materials are gathered beforehand. Some of the ones you will require include the following:

• Rubber gloves: For safeguarding against dirt, rust and any chemicals that you may use in cleaning.
• A wire brush or a brass brush: For gently scraping off rust without causing any scratches on the metal.
• Steel wool: For use on hard, troublesome rust spots, or for detailed work.
• Rags or soft cloths: For clean wiping while still retaining their general integrity.
• Vinegar or lemon juice: These are some of the common acids which are good for rust removal.
• Baking soda: Its texture is helpful for getting stubborn areas of rust to lift off.
• WD-40 or penetrating oil: These two items are great solutions for rust stuck in bolts and screw holes.
• A small bucket or container: If you plan to use any of the above items, having something to soak them in would make things a bit easier.
• Polishing cloth: A course cloth used to put the final shine to the hardware once the entire cleaning process has been completed.

There, now that everything is in place, let’s start with the actual instructions of how to remove rust from antique door hardware.

Step 1: Evaluate Damage

Always keep on watch for the hinges for they may accumulate rust, so before doing anything with the cleaning rust scenario, check the door hardware fittings for accumulation of rust, and also every metal fitting’s constructional integrity. In most cases, the main hardware components can be saved with only a basic cleaning or polishing, usually because the rust is only that which can be easily scraped. However, if the rust has penetrated deep and is quite pitted or the metal is quite weak, then it may be worth seeking out professional restorers, otherwise it may be causing further damage.

Step 2: Remove the Hardware

If there is a chance of doing it, it is recommended to take off the door hardware from the door frame for better performance. This will enable you to work more freely on the hardware and also avoid any damage to the door or the wall. When carrying out this phase use a screwdriver or a wrench to remove cabin knobs, locks, hinges or other hardware parts with signs of rust.

Step 3: Apply a Rust Remover

Now that the hardware has been taken off, the rust treatment can start. You can use some of these methods, depending on how much rust there is.

Natural Solutions (Vinegar or Lemon Juice): For very mild rusting, it is recommended that one immerse the hardware in some vinegar or lemon juice for duration between thirty to sixty minutes. Since both vinegar and lemon juice have natural acids in them they can be effective in dissolving the rust. Afterward you can remove the rust using a wire brush or steel wool when the given time is up. Once again it is very important for one to wear gloves so that their skin will not touch the acid.

Baking Soda Paste: For hard to remove rust, prepare a baking soda solution for pasty consistency by adding water. Apply the paste on the rusted parts and let it work for about half an hour, half an hour at the most. This can then be rinsed off with water, and washed using a wire brush or steel wool. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive material that besides removes rust, does not damage the steel surface underneath it.

WD-40 or Penetrating Oil: If the rust is somewhat insistent on the particular areas, it remains possible to use WD-40 or other penetration oil. For the rubbing to soften the rust some more, let it remain on the surface for 2-3 minutes before using a wire brush / steel wool to clean it. More so, this technique is more effective in the case of joints or the areas of more detail.

Step 4: Clean and Rinse

Next in the process after cleaning rust is wiping off the hardware with a clean damp rag in order to clean off remnants of the rust remover. And lastly, ensure that the hardware is wiped dry as this will help in avoiding further corrosion of the hardware. Rinse excellently with water and dry the hardware as soon as possible if it has been submerged in a solution.

Step 5: Polish and Protect

Like with all valuables, antique door knobs must be maintained and then when the unwanted rust has been cleared away, it is time to bring back their shine and to protect them so they do not rust again in the future. The most simple method to achieve this is by using a polishing cloth and then buff the hardware until it reaches the desired amount of shine. Brass polish or any other available products similar to brass polish may possibly enhance hardware items that are brass or bronze further.

To avoid rust reappearing, it is advised to coat the metal with wax or some type of a transparent metal sealant. This will make a barrier that will block moisture and oxygen from contacting the metal, thus preventing it from rusting any further.

Step 6. Reattach the Door Hardware inside the Door

After cleaning the hardware of the door and polishing it as well, the hardware should be placed back on the door with great caution. Ensure the tightness of each screw and hinge installed on the door. If the hardware was too old or too brittle, do not append any screws or washers that may be shifted during the process of installation.

Conclusion: Preserve the Past with Honor

We at The King’s Bay recognize that there is a great deal of Victorian door hardware that is decorative as it is functional. With the effort that you go through to take out the rust and keep the edges of these fine antiquities to have been maintained over the years, you are doing your home’s history a favor and a charm that will stand the test of time.

It is true that getting rid of rust is child’s play. However, that is not to say it does not take several hours along with the correct approach. After the quick mounting of rusted chunks of metal, you may decide whether to do the labor yourself or acquire the services of a trustworthy organization to do so. Do not allow rust to defile the presence of your antique door hardware. You can always expect robust care to maintain your antique hardware so that it remains a central attraction forever.

Visit The King’s Bay for more information and details along with the best prices for antique door hardware. We work towards providing beautiful and extravagant antique door handles and similar parts to those looking to enhance their homes.

FAQs

What are the signs that definite antique door hardware wear cannot be fixed anymore?

Definitely, if there are some cracks, pits too deep, or if anything seems too brittle, then possibly the item is damaged to an extent that it cannot be restored. There might be physical impairment and it requires going to an expert.

When I have some old ornate locks, can I use a commercial rust remover on those?

It is safer to begin/gain with the natural methods like vinegar or baking soda. Using harsh chemicals may spoil the finish of the antique pieces.

What would be the best way to ensure that my antique coins do not rust anymore in future?

Additionally, apply a thin layer of wax or lacquer, or metal sealant on the old coins to stop them from moisture and oxygen.

Is it possible to affect brass or bronze with rust in the same manner that iron does?

Yes, but especially be more careful and gentler with brass or bronze as they are softer. It might be more prudent to use a clean fine brass brush or very soft cloth to avoid scratching.

Must I remove hardware before cleaning the door, or can it be done while the door is still fixed?

Not must; however, it will ease the process and avoid risks and damages in the tight sections between the door and frame.

When there is an opportunity to use natural rust removing methods, why should one consider using chemical products?

Using natural methods are gentler on the antiques and are also safer than chemicals. For stubborn rust, penetrating oil like WD-40 is helpful, but do it in a corner first.