Expert: Sue Spire - 8/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: The lead that connects the panels of  the exterior of my front door has some dark rust-colored spots. What can I use to clean that off without harming the door?

ANSWER: Hi Maryellen,

I'm wondering if the material connecting the panels is actually lead. I have never seen lead rust. I'm thinking it might be zinc. How old is the door? Would you be able to take a picture of the panels and attach it to this question? That would be a big help in giving you the right answer. I'll be waiting for your reply.

Sue

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

QUESTION: The door is about 2o years old. The discoloration is the color of rust but might not actually be rust. It tends to be concentrated where the seams join. I'm sorry but I don't have the ability to attach a photo of it.

Answer
Thanks for the information. The areas you are referring to are solder joints. You can use very fine steel wool, bronze wool (available from Ace Hardware), or a brass bristle brush to remove the discoloration. The only problem will be that the solder joints will be bright shiny silver compared to the color of the rest of the lead. If you want to darken them down, go to a stained glass retail shop and buy some black patina for solder. Using a Q-tip, dampen it with the patina and rub a little bit on each solder joint. However, the solder joints will darken down naturally with age (several years), so it depends on whether the shininess will be an issue with you as to whether or not you use the patina.