To polish Polished Brushed Chrome and Polished Chrome finishes, use a commercially available chrome polish and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Both Oil Rubbed Bronze and Distressed Bronze hardware are designed to develop a patina, or aged-bronze look, over time. Oil Rubbed Bronze and Distressed Bronze are considered "living finishes" with no protective coating. With frequent use, the natural oils from your hands will polish away the dark outer finish, exposing the bronze beneath and often resulting in a two-tone appearance. No method will speed up the natural bronzing process. The appearance of these finishes will vary depending on usage and environmental conditions.

To deepen the color and sheen of your Oil Rubbed Bronze and Distressed Bronze hardware, occasionally apply light mechanic oil, mineral oil, or sewing machine oil to all metal parts.

1. Coat all metal parts with the mild oil.
2. Allow the oil to sit for a few minutes.
3. Gently rub off any excess oil using a clean cloth.

Note: We recommend that you bring your hardware to a professional restorer if it was treated with abrasives, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals.

The appearance of the Oil Rubbed Bronze hardware will vary depending on usage and environmental conditions. Below is an example of a new door handle versus a handle that has been seasoned over time.

Note: This process will be similar for Distressed Bronze hardware.

If your Antique Brass or Bright Brass hardware is in good condition, apply a non-abrasive paste wax (Johnson® or Turtle Wax® brands) following the manufacturer's directions to protect and restore it.

Important:

• Stripping and cleaning compounds may contain harsh chemicals. Follow the safety precautions listed on products.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners, cloths, or brushes on Antique Brass and Bright Brass manufactured BEFORE July 1998.
• Do not restore/refurbish Patio Door Bright Brass Hardware manufactured AFTER July 1998.

If the clear coat on the hardware has been scratched or worn off, the brass will tarnish. This will appear as a brown, black, green, or copper-colored film. In these instances, you will need to remove the clear coat and refurbish the brass. To refurbish your hardware, follow the general guidelines below or consult a refinishing professional.

1. Remove the brass hardware from the unit. Refer to the mounting instructions included with the hardware.
2. Following the manufacturer's directions, remove the clear coat from brass hardware by placing it in a paint stripper containing methylene chloride (Stripez, Zip Strip™).
3. Remove hardware from the paint stripper.
4. Rub lightly with #00 steel or bronze wool to remove any remaining clear coat or tarnished areas.
5. Rinse the hardware and continue to lightly rub until the brass color returns.
6. When the clear coat and tarnish have been completely removed, clean the Brass Hardware using a copper cleaner (Tarni-Shield®, Brasso®, or Copperbrite) following the manufacturer's directions.
7. Reapply the optional clear coat using a clear lacquer spray. Reapplication of the clear coat is not recommended in corrosive environments, as tarnish may appear beneath it. In these environments, it is recommended that the hardware be cleaned as needed.
8. Reassemble and reinstall Brass Hardware on the unit, following the mounting instructions.

Note: If one piece needs to be refurbished, we recommend refurbishing the entire set. There is a noticeable difference between coated and uncoated pieces.