Though we used this technique to revive the hinges and locks for the Hundred-Year-Old Windows, the same method could be applied to many other things. Both the hinges and locks on our windows had been covered in many, many layers of paint or rust. I wanted to find a way to strip and restore them back to their former glory.
Well, when the store-purchased paint stripper didn't work, I took to a technique I'd seen mentioned on HGTV.
Supplies:
- An Old Crock Pot that you don't mind/should not be eating from again
- Tongs
- Water
- Wire Brush
FYI - I'd recommend doing this outside.
Step 1:
Remove your hardware from the windows, dressers, etc.
Step 2:
Place it them in the crock pot, submerged in water. Turn the crock pot on to high and let it sit for about an hour. Sometimes longer is needed if you have really thick paint.
Step 3:
Using the tongs, take out each piece of hardware one by one. Set it on old old piece of wood or something that you don't mind getting scratched up. Then, immediately start scraping the hardware with the wire brush. Get as much as you can of the paint or rust off until the hardware begins to cool.
Step 4:
If you're happy with the finish you have, put it on a towel to let the hardware dry. If not, just place that piece back in the crock pot and come back to it later!
