Stripping paint from the old hardware (hinges, knobs, etc.) in your house is easier than you think and is one of the cheapest ways to give your aging home a major face-lift. Often, the temptation is to replace hardware that has spent years under multiple layers of paint. Surprisingly, that old paint is hiding hardware that is very often of better quality than anything you can affordably buy new. I first learned the following method of removing paint from hardware many years ago from Bo Sullivan at Rejuvenation, a lighting and house parts store based in Portland, OR. Since then I have learned several variations on the same theme.
Here are the basics:

You’ll Need:
• A slow cooker with a ceramic liner (not aluminum or Teflon.) These can be found for under $20 at most second-hand stores.
• Box of Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (sodium carbonate)
• Nylon stiff bristle brush
• 0000 steel wool (very fine)
• Lemon or mineral oil
• Rubber gloves

Step One
Fill the slow cooker ¾ full with water and add a cup of the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda.

Step Two
Add your paint-covered hardware to the pot. Make sure that the hardware is completely submerged. I like to string the hardware on a piece of wire. This makes for easy removal from hot water (Step Four.)

Step Three
Let simmer on high heat for two to four hours.

Step Four
Remove the hardware and scrub with the nylon brush (wear the gloves.) The paint should easily come off. In cases where some paint remains, the process may have to be repeated, and/or the pieces may need to simmer for a longer period of time. A fine point pick can be used to get stubborn paint out of nooks and crannies.

Step Five
Dry the hardware completely to prevent it from rusting. If it’s sunny outside, I’ll let it bake in the sun for a couple of hours. Otherwise, I’ll put the hardware in the oven on “warm” for an hour or so. Light rust may form during this step, but it will be removed in the next step.

Step Six
When the hardware is completely dry, rub it lightly with the oil and 0000 steel wool.

Step Seven
Wipe oil off with a dry soft cloth and re-install.

When you are through stripping your hardware, the sludge left in your slow-cooker will most likely contain lead paint. Continue to let it simmer until most of the liquid is gone. Put the stripped paint into a small container and dispose of it at a Metro location. The slow-cooker can be re-used for future paint-stripping projects, or you can pass it on to a friend taking on a similar project. Never use the slow-cooker to cook food in again.

Helpful hints
When removing paint-covered hardware, carefully score the paint around the edges of the piece to keep from pulling up more than intended.

Use a hammer and the corner of a screwdriver to gently tap the paint out of the screw slots. Try not to apply too much force, if the screwdriver slips it can scratch the surface.

Bret Hodgert is the owner/operator of Old Portland Hardware and Architectural located at 4035 SE Division. He can be reached at 503-234-7380 or visit www.oldportlandhardware.com. He has been involved in the old house industry for over 13 years.