So, I had planned to post a fun DIY today: changing the skanky old hardware from my office desk into pretty worn brass colors. But let me backtrack. Originally I had planned to find fun new hardware. But apparently my desk is pretty old because there are very few options for 3.5″ pulls {particularly since I also needed matching 5″ version}. Everything I found was either on eBay as ‘vintage’ or didn’t have a 5″ partner. So, I decided to save some coin and try to restore the ones I had. Because it is literally driving me crazy that I can’t use the drawers still – and all my office crap is still sitting on the floor.
I scoured the internet for proven cleaning solutions and ended up using four cups of hot water, 4 TBSP white vinegar and 4 TBSP salt. Honestly, it probably would have worked out perfectly….if I hadn’t forgotten the mixture overnight. Now the hardware looks copperish/rusty. In fact, I’m fairly certain it IS rusty in certain parts. #fail
The before’s and during the soak. You can see all the gunk floating off the handles:
And the tragic after. Notice all the rust that came off on the paper towel.
I’m pretty mad at myself on this one – especially since it looked like it was going to work. So, anybody have any good hardware sources? Or know how to reverse the rusting process? 🙂
I would just use a good spray paint for metal like Rustoleum. Once metal starts rusting you can’t reverse it but it will cover the existing rust and protect the hardware from rusting further. I used Rustoleum in oil rubbed bronze on some 50+ year old hardware about a year ago and it’s held up perfectly – just give it several days to cure before rough handling. Good luck!