Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Restoring Tin Bin and Hardware
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08-20-00, 03:33 AM
I recently refinshed an old kitchen cabinet and it came out nicely. However, one of the drawers is a tin bin that I think was used for potatoes and onions and such. The drawer has a wooden front that I removed to refinish and I found that the finish on the tin under the drawer front is bright and shiney. The rest of it is dark and almost black. Is there anyway to restore the original finish? I have tried several products that are recommended for brass and copper but they have had no effect. If it can't be cleaned up, can it be refinished or painted?
Also I want to keep the original hardware but the hinges which seem to be stainless steel have black spots on them. I have tried using SOS pads. It worked well to shine up the hinges but had no effect on the black spots. Any suggestions?
Also I want to keep the original hardware but the hinges which seem to be stainless steel have black spots on them. I have tried using SOS pads. It worked well to shine up the hinges but had no effect on the black spots. Any suggestions?
08-20-00, 06:09 PM
You said 'old' as opposed to 'antique' cabinet, so I'm assuming 30-50 years old.
The bin was probably designed to hold flour - that was it's typical use. You're not going to get the original finish back, but it can be painted.
Devoe Paints (as well as other paint companies) carries a primer made specifically for priming metal for painting. You need to apply this first, then the enamel (either oil or latex) of your choice.
I doubt the hardware is stainless steel, although it's possible, if the piece is 'old' and not 'antique'. Stainless wasn't generally available until after World War II.
I don't know what to suggest concerning the spots, however. I have had some good results soaking really filthy hardware overnight in white vinegar. The mild acid action cleans what scrubbing doesn't in a lot of cases.
If this doesn't do the trick, you might try the furniture forum at antiquerestorers.com. Jim Cole (the moderator there) is a good friend and knows a great deal about older pieces of all types.
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George T.
The bin was probably designed to hold flour - that was it's typical use. You're not going to get the original finish back, but it can be painted.
Devoe Paints (as well as other paint companies) carries a primer made specifically for priming metal for painting. You need to apply this first, then the enamel (either oil or latex) of your choice.
I doubt the hardware is stainless steel, although it's possible, if the piece is 'old' and not 'antique'. Stainless wasn't generally available until after World War II.
I don't know what to suggest concerning the spots, however. I have had some good results soaking really filthy hardware overnight in white vinegar. The mild acid action cleans what scrubbing doesn't in a lot of cases.
If this doesn't do the trick, you might try the furniture forum at antiquerestorers.com. Jim Cole (the moderator there) is a good friend and knows a great deal about older pieces of all types.
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George T.
08-20-00, 07:08 PM
George
:) You're right about the cabinet being "old" and not antique. I will try the vinegar on the hardware. I will try the primer you suggested. The bin has a sliding top on it also, do you think chrome color spray paint will hold up with the primer underneath? Thanks for the suggestion on the other site also. Appreiciate your help.
[This message has been edited by MARJORIEWV (edited August 20, 2000).]
:) You're right about the cabinet being "old" and not antique. I will try the vinegar on the hardware. I will try the primer you suggested. The bin has a sliding top on it also, do you think chrome color spray paint will hold up with the primer underneath? Thanks for the suggestion on the other site also. Appreiciate your help.
[This message has been edited by MARJORIEWV (edited August 20, 2000).]
08-21-00, 06:31 PM
Marjorie:
If you're going to use a chrome paint, check the can to see if it needs priming, and then for what to use. Some of the 'made for metal' paints don't need a primer - some require a particular type. Look first.
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George T.
If you're going to use a chrome paint, check the can to see if it needs priming, and then for what to use. Some of the 'made for metal' paints don't need a primer - some require a particular type. Look first.
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George T.