Antiques

Here’s how to restore the missing brass hardware on an antique door. The ghost image of original brass hardware is often visible. It can be replicated by tracing the impression. A cardboard template is made to scribe the design. The brass is cut on a bandsaw and smoothed with a belt sander. The piece is polished and installed on the door.

When shopping for brass, take along a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the item such as a lamp base, it is not real brass. If the magnet falls off, you’ve got the real deal.