| Although painted hinges may be in vogue for | | | | certainly be removed and the hinge effectively |
| certain applications, they pose a pesky problem | | | | used again. |
| for those who prefer a simpler varnish. So how | | | | Before attempting to remove rust, it's important |
| do you go about removing the paint and getting | | | | to know what kind of metal the hinge is |
| back to the basics? There are several techniques | | | | composed of. Because brass doesn't rust, if |
| for removing paint and refinishing regular, rusty | | | | confronted with a rusty hinge, brass is easy to |
| hinges. So before you deem that hinge | | | | rule out. However, brass does oxidize which |
| unsalvageable, take a look at some cost-effective | | | | results in a greenish patina-a simple brass cleaner |
| methods that may be more worthwhile than | | | | is effective in removing the buildup. |
| another trip to the hardware store. | | | | If the hinges are made of steel, the rust will be |
| Removing Paint from Hinges | | | | brown. Soak the hinges in motor oil or vegetable |
| For removing paint, old fashioned remedies can | | | | oil for a few days to remove rust. Before |
| often do the trick. Fill a pot with water (preferably | | | | sanding, it may be helpful to use a wire-brush to |
| one that isn't used for cooking) and bring it to a | | | | knock off any lingering rust. Then, using |
| low boil. Let the hinges sit until the paint appears | | | | sandpaper, sand away any remaining rust until the |
| sufficiently softened and then carefully remove | | | | hinge seems shiny. |
| using gloves and tongs, as the hinges will be | | | | Refinishing |
| extremely hot. Using grease, a plastic scraper, and | | | | Once the old coating (be it rust, varnish, or paint) |
| a wire or soft bristle brush (some people find wire | | | | has been removed, the refinishing process begins. |
| can scratch the hinges), remove any excess paint. | | | | It's important that the hinge be protected from |
| Other techniques for removing paint involve using | | | | future rust, so even during the finishing process |
| liquid stripper and a brush to clean the paint out of | | | | it's helpful to wear gloves to protect against |
| any nooks and crannies. | | | | transferring oils from the skin to the hinge. After |
| Removing Rust | | | | ensuring the hinge is clean and ready, coat the |
| Paint isn't the only thing that needs to be | | | | hinge with a primer. It's a good idea to use |
| removed from hinges during refinishing. Often | | | | several coats, so as to be sure the hinge is |
| times a hinge can have a significant layer of | | | | entirely coated. Once the primer has set, then |
| rust-in order to re-use the hinge, existing rust | | | | apply a polyethylene coat, metal enamel, or |
| must not be too thick. If the rust has already | | | | lacquer. Not only will the topcoat seal the primer |
| eaten through the hinge, it probably isn't | | | | and prevent rusting, but the hinge will have a nice |
| salvageable. However, moderate surface rust can | | | | simple finish. |