steel hardwear restore

[artfuliron]

Restoring an old 40's kitchen cabinet and was looking for a quick way to clean up the hinges, catches etc. I have been using the wire wheel method and thought their must be an easier way.. I remeber using coke to brighten up fish hooks.
Anyone with any tricks of the trade? Artfuliron.

[hap97]

Here is the method I use...


Use a caustic soda bath. BUT USE CAUTION
Granular caustic soda is available from hardware stores, mix in a 5l or 20l plastic drum. Proportions by experiment. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN
Tie components on tiewire and suspend in mixture for a few hours
All the paint will be softened and may fall off.
Wash well with a hose outside. USE SAFETY GOGGLES
Finish in the laundry tub using soapy steel wool.
All paint will be removed and if brass will look good.
If steel, maybe spray paint with black or Machine Grey. Or gold to pretend a brass finish.
Brass items can be antiqued using an antiquing product. ( I find leadlighting black patina acid the best.)

Hap

[echnidna]

and all alumininium, zinc and galvanising will dissolve