Is there a simpler method to bring old door hinges back to a shiny, new state without manual wire brushing after soaking in paint thinner?
Asked by Pamela Lambert 
1 month ago
Last Updated: October 21, 2024
I’m currently working on bringing back to life some old door hinges. I’ve been soaking them in paint thinner/ acetone to get rid of all the paint. Do you know of a faster and simpler way to make them shiny again, other than just using a wire brush to scrub them?
Use Bar Keepers Friend along with a damp cloth, and scrub with a toothbrush
Try soaking them in undiluted Coca Cola for 48 hours. (PS. This is not a joke. It truly helps with rust removal).
A simple electrolysis process will restore them to their original state .
Fill a container with water large enough to fully submerge the items
Place a steel plate underneath connected to a wire that extends out of the container.
Add 1/2 cup of “20 Mule Team” borax to the water
Use copper wire to connect the hinges and hang them in the solution (borax & water mixture) above the bottom plate (without touching it)
Connect the setup to a battery charger on a low or maintenance setting .
Observe.
⚠️ WARNIN
As the “battery” you have created cleans the items down to the atomic level, pure hydrogen will form at one end and pure oxygen at the other.
Avoid smoking.
Disconnect the power supply BEFORE unclipping the battery cables .
Only attempt this outdoors.
Afterward, dry the items in a 300-degree oven.
To prevent immediate rusting due to the moisture in the air, prime the items while they are still warm, then paint them promptly.
This method will leave the items as clean as they can possibly be .
Sand blast
Pop them in pickling vinegar or any other mild acid for a few hours