Anyone painted metal door handles?

Sammysmiths

Sammysmiths

Well-known member
Lots of different tutorials on YouTube and most go for rustolium primer, spray and enamel laquer.
The handles in question were brass plated but as Ive stripped them they’ve gone a sort of pink/copper colour. They are vintage.
I’m probably going to have to paint them for the quality of restoration I’m wanting.
Best advice for something that will last as they will be in frequent use. I’m wanting a nice smooth brass like finish.
Thanks
 
Sammysmiths said:
Lots of different tutorials on YouTube and most go for rustolium primer, spray and enamel laquer.
The handles in question were brass plated but as Ive stripped them they’ve gone a sort of pink/copper colour. They are vintage.
I’m probably going to have to paint them for the quality of restoration I’m wanting.
Best advice for something that will last as they will be in frequent use. I’m wanting a nice smooth brass like finish.
Thanks
Click to expand...


airfix paints

1672487989521.png

"gud enuff faw t'spitfire, gud enuff faw daw 'andle"
 
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Sammysmiths said:
Lots of different tutorials on YouTube and most go for rustolium primer, spray and enamel laquer.
The handles in question were brass plated but as Ive stripped them they’ve gone a sort of pink/copper colour. They are vintage.
I’m probably going to have to paint them for the quality of restoration I’m wanting.
Best advice for something that will last as they will be in frequent use. I’m wanting a nice smooth brass like finish.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Can you not get them brass plated again or isn't that what you want?
 
You probably are better off replacing them.

If they are in constant use they will get scratched or chiped, no matter how well you paint them. Plating is a better option, but, unless it's done very well, that will wear over time and if you seal it with a lacquer, it will probably fail with weathering.

Brass door furniture is coming back into fashion again and there are more options than there were if you look for a new set.

Added: here's a link that seemed helpful about the plating process. I'd be tempted to send them off to be done professionally. The tarnished look will set in eventually though. It's unavoidable with brass.

hcsplating.com

Chrome & Nickel Plating On Brass | Hard Chrome Specialists

Learn about plating on brass, its benefits and potential applications. Contact Hard Chrome Specialists for plating solutions for brass in PA, MD and beyond.
hcsplating.com hcsplating.com
 
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sadgit said:
Jesus.. I almost bought an airfix plane from the craft place in teesside park. I was supposed to be looking for wife gifts. I was so tempted. Totally off topic..
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These a fairly decent craft and hobby shop in Stokesley on three tuns wynd if you are into that sort of thing. Sure it's next to a carpet shop. Spotted it the other day. Looked fairly well stocked.
 
I’m not sure they are brass now, looking at them. They have gone like a pink colour after cleaning. It’s impossible to replace them as they are parts from a vintage safe dated 1800s. The main handle can only be removed with specialist tools and by taking the whole door apart, which I can’t do, so I’m trying to restore it in situ.
 
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Sammysmiths said:
I’m not sure they are brass now, looking at them. They have gone like a pink colour after cleaning. It’s impossible to replace them as they are parts from a vintage safe dated 1800s. The main handle can only be removed with specialist tools and by taking the whole door apart, which I can’t do, so I’m trying to restore it in situ.
Click to expand...

In that case just mask everywhere aorund it off, give it a coat with a decent spray metal primer and then use something like the below, just be careful not to let it run, spray side to side not up and down etc

Plastikote Fast Dry Enamel Aerosol Spray - Brass 100ml | Wickes.co.uk

Plastikote Fast Dry Enamel Aerosol Spray - Brass 100ml
www.wickes.co.uk www.wickes.co.uk
 
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Sammysmiths said:
I’m not sure they are brass now, looking at them. They have gone like a pink colour after cleaning. It’s impossible to replace them as they are parts from a vintage safe dated 1800s. The main handle can only be removed with specialist tools and by taking the whole door apart, which I can’t do, so I’m trying to restore it in situ.
Click to expand...
Might be a cobalt alloy. That oxidises to a pink. Very hard metal, so that would make sense.
 
Paint isn't really my thing these days. I've just sketched a metal door handle. What do I do next?
 
When there’s no footy on I need to fill my time with really interesting projects and seek the knowledge of the Boro faithful who are blessed with a font of knowledge that cannot be surpassed. Unless you suggest i go ask the Mackems?
 
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