Brass plates add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space. However, over time brass can lose its luster and develop a dull, tarnished patina from exposure and handling. Rather than replacing your brass plates, you can restore them to their original brilliance by recoating them.

Recoating brass plates is a straightforward process that anyone can do at home with minimal supplies. The key steps include thoroughly cleaning the brass, removing any existing coating, applying a new protective finish, and properly caring for the recoated plates. With some simple maintenance, recoated brass plates can last for many years.

Why Recoating Brass Plates is Worth the Effort

Before jumping into the recoating process, it’s helpful to understand the benefits of refinishing brass pieces versus replacing them. Here are some of the top reasons to recoat brass plates rather than buy new ones:

Cost savings: New brass plates can be expensive, especially for premium antique pieces. Recoating is significantly cheaper than replacement.
Preserve antique value: For vintage or antique brass items, the patina and markings are part of their history and value. Keeping the original plates maintains this aged charm.
Customization: Recoating allows you to change the color, finish, and style of your brass plates. This adds uniqueness.
Environmental impact: Recoating recycles and repurposes materials, avoiding the resources and energy needed to produce new brass plates.
Sentimental value: If the brass plates have sentimental meaning, recoating preserves the emotional attachment. New plates cannot replace those memories.

So before investing in new brass plates, consider the many benefits of recoating your existing pieces. With a bit of time and care, you can revitalize your brass and enjoy it for years to come.

What You’ll Need to Recoat Brass Plates

Recoating brass plates doesn’t require special tools or equipment. Most of the supplies can be found around the house or easily purchased. Here are the key items you’ll need:

Mild dish soap: For cleaning grease and grime off the brass plates before recoating
Soft cloths and towels: For washing, drying, and applying the new finish
Brass cleaner or tarnish remover: Removes built-up tarnish and restores shine
Grade 0000 steel wool: Lightly abrades surface and ensures finish adherence
Lacquer remover: Takes off previous lacquer or varnish coatings
Wax or lacquer: New protective coating to add shine and prevent tarnishing
Clean water: For rinsing plates after cleaning and preparation
Protective gloves: Keeps hands safe when using chemicals
Eye protection: Guards eyes from debris when scrubbing plates
Paintbrush: For applying a liquid lacquer coating evenly

That covers all the basics you need for a DIY brass plate recoating project. Pick up any missing supplies before getting started.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recoating Brass Plates

With your supplies gathered, it’s time to dive into the recoating process. Follow these steps closely for best results:

Step 1 – Clean the Brass Plates Thoroughly

Before applying any new finish, it’s imperative to thoroughly clean the brass plates. This removes any dirt, residue, grease, grime, or waxy build-up that could prevent the new coating from properly adhering.

Fill a basin or sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild dish soap. Using a soft cloth, gently scrub every inch of the brass plate surfaces with the soapy water. This lifts away any impurities or oxidation.

Pay extra attention to engraved or detailed sections, using a soft bristled toothbrush to lift grime from crevices if needed. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the brass.

Once scrubbed, rinse the plates under warm running water. Dry the brass plates completely with a soft, lint-free towel. Set aside and let air dry for 15 minutes before moving to the next steps.

Step 2 – Remove Any Existing Coating

If your brass plates have a lacquer, varnish, or other coating already applied, this needs to be removed before adding a fresh finish. Chemical lacquer removers work well for stripping off old coatings from brass hardware.

In a well-ventilated area, wear protective gloves and eye wear. Apply a liberal amount of lacquer remover evenly across the entire brass plate surface using a paintbrush. Allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes. The coating will bubble and wrinkle as the remover breaks down the finish.

Gently scrub with grade 0000 steel wool to lift away the softened coating. Take care not to scrub too hard, which could scratch the brass metal underneath.

Rinse the plates under warm water, using a soft brush to wipe away any remaining coating flecks. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel once more.

After drying, inspect the brass plates to ensure no traces of the old finish remain. Repeat the lacquer remover application if needed to completely strip the brass.

Step 3 – Smooth and Shine with Steel Wool

Before applying the new protective coating, it’s wise to smooth out the brass surface for better adherence. This is easily done by gently rubbing grade 0000 steel wool over the plates.

Apply light pressure and small circular motions to lightly abrade and polish the brass. This removes any residual tarnish and creates microscopic scratches for the new finish to grip.

Avoid pressing too hard, as heavier scrubbing can engraver deeper abrasions into the brass surface. Frequently wipe away any dark brass residue that accumulates on the steel wool as you buff.

Once smoothed and shined to your desired luster, rinse the plates with water and dry thoroughly with a lint-free towel. The brass is now prepped and ready for recoating.

Step 4 – Apply New Protective Finish

With the plates cleaned, stripped, and smoothed, the final step is applying a fresh protective finish. This seals the brass surface to prevent tarnishing and enhances the appearance. You have two good options: wax or spray lacquer.

Wax finish

Wax creates a low luster satin sheen. It’s easily applied and maintained. Use a high-quality polymer wax made for brass, metal and automotive finishes. Avoid abrasive waxes.

Using a soft lint-free cloth, apply a thin, even layer of brass wax, gently rubbing in circular motions. Frequently fold cloth to work in small sections.

After 10-15 minutes, buff the plates with a clean soft cloth to remove any haze and bring out shine. Apply a second coat of wax, allow to haze, and buff again for optimal protection.

Spray lacquer finish

Lacquer produces a glossy surface shine. It provides durable protection but can be tricky to apply evenly. Purchase a high-quality spray lacquer formulated for metal.

Cover nearby surfaces with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Take the brass plates outdoors or set up in a well-ventilated area. Position the plates so spray will cover evenly.

Shake the lacquer can vigorously for 60 seconds. Hold 10-12 inches from the brass surface and apply thin even coats using side to side sweeping motions. Wait 5 minutes between coats.

Slowly build up 4-5 total coats. After 24 hours of drying, inspect for drips or unevenness. Gently smooth with extra fine (0000) steel wool if needed.

Both wax and lacquer will protect brass plates from oxidizing. Take care not to over apply finishes, which can pool in detailed areas. Thin coats work best for an even, uniform barrier.

Step 5 – Reinstall Brass Plates

Once the recoating process is complete, the revitalized brass plates are ready to be placed back into service. Reinstall them into their original positions using the appropriate hardware or mounting brackets.

Before handling, make sure the finish is completely cured and hardened. Oils from skin contact can interfere with coatings curing properly. Use gloves when picking up freshly recoated plates.

When securing plates back in place, take care not to scratch or scuff the new finish. Use felt pads on the backs of plates and mounting points. Tighten screws and hardware gently and evenly.

Stand back and admire how the newly refinished brass plates enliven your space with their refreshed brilliance and charm. Breathe new life into brass with proper recoating techniques.

Caring for Recoated Brass Plates

To keep your brass plates looking revitalized for as long as possible, be sure to care for the new finish properly. Here are some tips for maintaining recoated brass:

Gently dust plates with a soft cloth to prevent buildup of abrasive dirt and grime
Use mild dish soap and water to clean plates if needed, avoid harsh chemical cleaners
Reapply protective wax every 3-4 months to maintain the protective barrier
For lacquered brass, occasionally touch up thin worn spots with fresh spray lacquer
If plates become tarnished, use brass cleaner and buff gently with 0000 steel wool
Limit handling of plates to prevent oils from skin starting deterioration
Ensure plates are fully dry after cleaning before reinstalling to prevent water spots

With periodic maintenance and care, your recoated brass plates will maintain their newly refreshed appearance for years of enjoyment. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or polishes that could degrade the recoated finish over time.

Achieving an Antique Patinated Look

While some prefer the shiny brilliance of a freshly recoated brass finish, others may want more of an aged, antique patina. This weathered, verdigris look is also achievable.

After stripping old coating and preparing plates, use liver of sulfur solution to intentionally oxidize and discolor the brass surface. Apply with a cloth and rub into engraving crevices. Rinse and neutralize.

Once the desired patina is built up, apply a metal wax finish by hand. This protects the patina while allowing some aging to show through. Frequent polishing will maintain an older, antique brass look.

The greenish, aged patina is a popular way to give new brass a vintage, timeworn appearance. With trial and error, you can create unique finishes that impart old world charm and depth.

Common Questions and Tips for Recoating Brass

Recoating brass plates is a relatively simple process, but it’s helpful to keep some tips in mind for best results:

How do I know if plates need recoating?
Look for wear, cloudiness, scratches, tarnishing, and breakdown of any protective finish. If water beads up instead of sheeting off, recoating is needed.

How often should brass plates be recoated?
In most indoor settings, brass plates will need recoating every 2-3 years to maintain luster and prevent buildup of grime. Outdoors, recoating may be needed annually.

Can I use metal polish instead of lacquer/wax?
Polishing alone removes the tarnish but doesn’t provide lasting protection. It must be repeated frequently compared to more durable lacquer and wax finishes.

What if there are engraved or detailed sections?
Use cotton swabs and small brushes to gently clean and apply coating into engraved crevices and details. Avoid pooling finish in these areas.

Can I apply finish by hand instead of spraying?
Yes, hand application works well especially for small plates. Use a soft lint-free cloth to gently rub in wax or liquid lacquer. Thin even coats are key.

Recoating brass is a great alternative to replacing worn brass fixtures or hardware. With this simple process, you can revive the brilliant shine and protective finish of treasured brass pieces.

References:

[1] The Brass Book: American, English and European Fifteenth Century to 1850 (1978) by Peter, Nancy, and Herbert Schiffer. A comprehensive guide to identifying and preserving antique brass pieces.

[2] “Caring for Brass and Bronze” (2021) The National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/articles/caring-for-brass-and-bronze.htm. An overview of best practices for maintaining different metal alloys.

[3] “How to Care for Brass” (2020) The Spruce Crafts. https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/care-of-brass-296632. DIY techniques for polishing, cleaning, and waxing brass fixtures.

[4] “How to Antique Brass” (2017) Hunker. https://www.hunker.com/13427606/how-to-antique-brass. Instructions for intentionally aging and distressing brass to achieve a patina.

[5] “Recoating” (2013) US Brass & Copper. http://www.usbrass.com/blog/recoating/. Technical tips for preparing brass for recoating and types of finishes.

[6] Lacquer Finishes: A Guide for the Home Woodworker (1992) by Bob Flexner. Detailed information on selecting and applying spray lacquers.

[7] “How to Refinish Brass Hardware” (2020) This Old House. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/hardware/21015579/how-to-refinish-brass-hardware. Step-by-step process for stripping and recoating worn brass fixtures.