Painted brass

[Robert WA]

I recently "rescued" a coat rack from a 100+ year old building that is being renovated. Brass coathooks, 8 of them, on a timber board, It probably dates back to the opening of the building and, as you might guess, is coated with 4 or 5 coats of paint, including the brass coathooks.

What is a safe way to remove very old paint from brass without scratching it too much or without risking chemical damage?

[Sturdee]

I use dry steel wool for that.


Peter.

[echnidna]

Soak it in laquer thinners = no paint

[wombat47]

Soak the hooks and screws overnight in vinegar and salt. Worstershire sauce also works, but vinegar is cheaper.

Scrub up with a brush and remove paint from screws with a wooden toothpick or skewer. A toothbrush is handy for any fiddly bits.

I've used this method to remove multiple layers of paint from hinges, window lifters, window locks, etc.