How To Easily Strip Paint Off Old Hardware

Restoring old hardware can breathe new life into antique doors, cabinets, and furniture. However, layers of paint often obscure the original beauty of these metal pieces. In the video above, This Old House’s Mauro Henrique shows a quick and easy way to strip away old paint.

The Paint-Stripping Process

Stripping paint from old hardware doesn’t have to be a complex or expensive task. With a few simple tools and ingredients, you can restore your hardware to its former glory. You likely already have most of these tools on hand and can buy a pound of baking soda for $5 or less. Here’s what you’ll need:

• An old pot (not to be used for cooking afterward)
• Water
• Baking soda
• Tongs
• A soft-bristled brush
• An old painting tray or similar surface for scraping
• Gloves
• Dry cloth

Once you use a pot for paint stripping, it should never be used for food preparation again due to the risk of lead paint contamination.

Preparing the Stripping Solution

Fill the old pot with water and bring it to a simmer on the stove. Add a generous amount of baking soda to the simmering water. There’s no need to measure precisely—you can’t overdo it with baking soda. Stir the solution to distribute the baking soda. This mixture creates a non-toxic, environmentally friendly stripping agent that’s safe to use and dispose of.

Soaking the Hardware

Carefully place the paint-covered hardware into the simmering solution using tongs. Allow the hardware to soak for at least 15 minutes. During this time, the heat and baking soda solution will work to loosen the paint. You may need to extend the soaking time or repeat the process for heavily painted items.

Removing the Loosened Paint

Once the hardware has soaked for a bit, remove it from the pot using tongs and place it on your designated scraping surface. While the hardware is still warm, begin peeling off the loosened paint by hand. Most of it should come off easily. For stubborn areas, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away the remaining paint.

Be patient during this process. If some paint remains after the first attempt, you can return the hardware to the pot for another round of soaking. After all paint is removed, rinse the hardware with clean water to remove any remaining baking soda residue. Dry the pieces completely with a soft cloth to prevent rust.

The Hot Water Paint Stripping Method

In addition to the baking soda method, you can also use hot water to strip paint. The hot water helps to soften the paint, making it easier to remove. This method is good for hardware with multiple layers of paint. Follow these steps:

1. Boil water in an old pot (remember, it can’t be used for cooking afterward).
2. Submerge the paint-covered hardware in the boiling water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove the hardware using tongs and proceed to peel off the paint, similar to the baking soda method.

Alternative Methods for Paint Stripping

While the baking soda and hot water methods are effective and eco-friendly, there are other techniques for stripping paint from hardware. Here are some alternative options.

• Commercial paint strippers: These can be more potent and often contain harsh chemicals. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use them in a well-ventilated area.
• Slow cooker method: Similar to the old pot method, using a dedicated slow cooker allows for longer, lower-heat soaking. Don’t use the slow cooker for food preparation again.
• Vinegar soak: Submerging hardware in vinegar overnight can help loosen the paint. This method is gentle and effective, though the smell of vinegar may be a bit strong.

Tips for Successful Paint Stripping

For the best results when stripping paint from old hardware, use tongs with a good grip to handle the hot hardware safely. Have an old painting tray or similar surface ready to scrape off the paint. When scrubbing away any remaining paint, opt for a soft-bristled nylon brush rather than a wire brush to avoid scratching the metal surface.

Wear gloves to protect your hands from the hot water and potential lead in old paint. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes from the stripping process. Keep children and pets away from the work area and hot pot.

If you encounter particularly stubborn paint, extend the soaking time in the baking soda solution or use a plastic scraper for gentle removal of resistant paint patches. For intricate details, consider using a toothpick or wooden skewer to remove paint from crevices.

Protecting the Restored Hardware

Here are a few things you can do to maintain your hardware’s newly restored finish:

• Apply a thin coat of paste wax or clear lacquer to protect the metal surface.
• Consider using a rust inhibitor if the hardware will be exposed to moisture.
• Handle the restored pieces carefully to avoid scratching or damaging the exposed metal.

Stripping paint from old hardware can improve the appearance of your home’s fixtures. The baking soda method demonstrated by Henrique offers an accessible, affordable, and eco-friendly approach to revealing the hidden beauty of your hardware. With patience and the right technique, you can give new life to these often-overlooked elements of your home.