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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/cleaning oxidized Kitchen metal hardware

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Expert: - 12/8/2009


Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I have a 30 some years old house, the kitchen cabinate are in OK shape, however the hardware are pretty oxidazed, I tried sold them in warm soapy water, but it did not help much. Could you pls give me some advice?
Thanks much!!
FG

ANSWER: Hi FG, what are they made out of? Some hardware is lacquered to keep it from tarnishing, but that coating breaks down after many years and might need to be chemically removed in order for you to restore the original luster...it might be cheaper, (and a way to update the look), to replace them.......regards- Greg

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: They made of Zinc-die cast with Antique English finish. here is link to the product.
http://www.amerock.com/products/item-368/3-pull-allison-value-hardware

Thanks again!


Answer
Not sure what condition yours is in, but I'm sure it has(or had) a clear coat, and that is likely failing as i said, allowing the metal to age and oxidize, tarnish, etc....there is no easy fix, you have to strip the old clear coat off the metal without scratching it, and that may be quite challenging and time consuming, and then they'll need to be restored and recoated.

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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