Residential & Commercial Security - Locks, Keys & Dead Bolts - Removing finish from "bright brass" deadbolt
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tiquose
08-27-09, 05:21 PM
There seems to be no source for deadbolts in unlacquered brass, only the shiny "bright brass" or the "antique brass" which I don't like. I want a brass deadbolt that will age and darken naturally like the doorknob it will be paired with.
What do Schlage, Baldwin and other manufacturers of deadbolts use as a protective finish on the "bright brass" ones? Is it something that can be removed without damage to the deadbolt?
What do Schlage, Baldwin and other manufacturers of deadbolts use as a protective finish on the "bright brass" ones? Is it something that can be removed without damage to the deadbolt?
spdavid
08-27-09, 06:53 PM
The most common way brass is preserved is with a coat of lacquer.you would have to soak the lock in lacquer thinner to remove it.If you can remove the brass part and just soak that you'd be better off but otherwise it won't actually damage the lock,but you want to lubircate it after it was reinstalled.
tiquose
08-27-09, 09:16 PM
Is it difficult to disassemble a deadbolt, in order to use the lacquer thinner on just the face and the cover?
spdavid
08-28-09, 08:14 AM
Different locks are designed in different ways so it depends.Some locks are designed with the brass outer section as a seperate parts,others not.
tiquose
08-28-09, 08:39 AM
Okay, thanks so much for the help. I will buy one and see what to do after that.
GlobalLocky
08-28-09, 09:05 AM
There seems to be no source for deadbolts in unlacquered brass, only the shiny "bright brass" or the "antique brass" which I don't like. I want a brass deadbolt that will age and darken naturally like the doorknob it will be paired with.
What do Schlage, Baldwin and other manufacturers of deadbolts use as a protective finish on the "bright brass" ones? Is it something that can be removed without damage to the deadbolt?
Manufacturers prefer to make their products to suit the widest market possible. More people want products that do not tarnish rather than those that do.
It makes sense to manufacture product that appeals to the wider market, no?
What do Schlage, Baldwin and other manufacturers of deadbolts use as a protective finish on the "bright brass" ones? Is it something that can be removed without damage to the deadbolt?
Manufacturers prefer to make their products to suit the widest market possible. More people want products that do not tarnish rather than those that do.
It makes sense to manufacture product that appeals to the wider market, no?
rstripe
08-28-09, 02:32 PM
If you're willing to pay a little more, and wait a while, you can special-order from a much wider selection of finishes through a dealer...you can even order "split finish" (inside/outside). I think just about every finish but one are "clear coated" (laquered) to protect the finish...some lines are so well done as to offer lifetime warranties.
The one thats not clear-coated is BHMA#613 called "Oil-Rubbed Bronze", it begins with oxidized satin bronze, is then oil-rubbed, and left uncoated. It's actually designed to change color with use, especially where hands grab the knobs. Generally, with a few years use, it changes from a very dark-brown color (new) to a light-gold. It's a fairly common finish for commercial installations, but rarely found in big-box stores.
The one thats not clear-coated is BHMA#613 called "Oil-Rubbed Bronze", it begins with oxidized satin bronze, is then oil-rubbed, and left uncoated. It's actually designed to change color with use, especially where hands grab the knobs. Generally, with a few years use, it changes from a very dark-brown color (new) to a light-gold. It's a fairly common finish for commercial installations, but rarely found in big-box stores.
rstripe
08-28-09, 02:43 PM
Also, check out the Baldwin Lock website; they've prob'ly got the widest range of "old iron" residential finishes around...they may have a couple of uncoated finishes in addition to 613 that are designed to change with time & use.