Modern 'Brass' door handles

twopenny

I say modern but about 20yrs old and still available today. Well they were but since the first lockdown supplies of the brass ones seem to have dried up. Before this all builders merchants had them so I was going to replace them but the last years events have meant that I can't get hold of them.

The bathroom door handles are discoloured, probably by moisture getting in. The rest are pristine. Replacing with a different size would affect the finish on the doors which would be a bigger problem.

Wonder if anyone has ever stripped the laquer off these cleaned and relaquered? Or if I'm going to make matters worse?

As it looks like some time before they are available and the sizes could be changed by then I'm wondering about a DIY job but not sure what I will find under the laquer.

FreeBear

If they are solid brass, then strip. Polish them with something like Autosolve or even toothpaste. Give them a real good clean with cellulose thinners, and then spray with a clear lacquer. Give them a couple or three coats, and leave to dry & harden for a few days.

EssexExile

I just go rid of the lacquer and polished with Autosol. Years later they're still looking good.

twopenny

I guess I should have thought of taking one off and seeing if it's real brass. Sheesh this never ending lockdown makes me stupid.

I need something light to strip with being their modern stuff.

Trouble with the bathroom ones is the lock. You can't swap one that goes wrong to the inside.

I've got Autosol and that's probably best for these. My old Edwardian ones could be battered with anything. But I have had sucess with lemon juice on brass and just plain Brasso.