How to Remove Lacquer From Brass to Reveal a Brushed Finish: An Experiment

I am going to finally let you in on a secret: my Mom and I have been hard at work, giving her kitchen a budget-friendly makeover!  I'm sharing a little project from the makeover - how to remove lacquer from old brass and reveal a brushed gold finish - but there will be a ton of inexpensive DIY projects to share soon.  Get ready for: Painted cabinets! Repaired and refinished laminate counters! The tulip table finding a home after 6 years!  Something with gold tweed!  So much peel and stick tile...

But right now everything's drying, curing, in transit, or some sort of limbo.  I'll have more photos soon, but for now here's a sneak peek of our brass knob refurbishing experiment.

My Mom's cabinetry had the original brass knobs from the 1980s.  They are solid and she likes the shape but, after 30 years, she was tired of the lacquered finish.  From wear and use, some of the brass had started to develop a gorgeous patina that matched that of the original brass door knobs that were installed by my Great-Grandfather in the 1950s:

Infuriatingly, some of the kitchen knobs were still very glossy 80s brass and looked brand new.  My Mom hated the unintentionally mismatched look of old brass/new brass.

She loved how my brass knobs looked after I sanded them for painting, so we tried to achieve a similar brushed brass look with less elbow grease.  Here's what we did - and what products we used - to turn lacquered brass knobs into brushed gold.  The difference is so striking!
 
Supplies: 

• Acetone 
• Scouring Pad
• Rubber Gloves
• Old Metal Pan

How to Remove Lacquer From Brass and Reveal a Brushed Gold Finish:

First we soaked the knobs in an old metal baking pan filled with acetone for a couple of hours:

Then, wearing rubber gloves and working outside (a face mask isn't a bad idea), we gave the brass knobs a good, thorough scrub with a scouring pad.

The glossy finish - and years of grime - came off with a bit of coaxing, leaving behind a really, really gorgeous brushed brass finish, that's lighter and brighter than the formerly yellowy brass.

We successfully turned lacquered brass into brushed!

Best of all, they are all uniformly brushed, with some minimal patina, here and there - much better than the former mix of brassy new and totally worn out.  Plus, it's a fresh change for my Mom, who is thrilled with the results.  It's like getting all new knobs for a couple of bucks!

Now the plan is to let them age naturally and develop a more even patina.  Should they turn out weird, we'll just strip them down again and create a faux patina, or apply a clear coat to bring back some shine and protect against wear.

Right now we both loved the brushed, but not too perfect look - they look like they've been here for years and suit the age of the house.

We're looking forward to seeing this experiment take shape.  For now, Mom loves the brushed brass as a fresh alternative to the formerly glossy lacquered look - plus they look stellar with the newly painted (spoiler alert) fog grey cabinetry!

I'm so excited to share some more updates as we check items off our to-to list.  This kitchen makeover is making me really weepy and goofy, and I wanted to explain why!

The Back Story to The Budget-Friendly Makeover of Mom's Kitchen

For years, my parents' 1980s kitchen has needed an update.  At first, it just needed a little tweak here or there, but every budget-friendly solution I proposed (Paint the floors! We should try concrete coated counters! Let's paint the cabinets!) was squashed.  In Mom's defense, many of these suggestions were proposed years ago, when I was into budget-friendly makeovers in the townhouse, but not design on a dime.  In the townhouse kitchen we had good bones to work with, but we still dropped about $1000 on new counters and tile.  We updated the whole upstairs pretty extensively, with all new bathrooms, hardwood flooring, and brand new ceiling fans.  Mom wasn't convinced a really budget-friendly spruce could look good. 

Then she saw me work some magic in the lakehouse - especially the temporary bathroom spruce, which was all achieved with paint!  She started to see the value in a cheap little makeover to tide her over while she saved for a renovation.  But by this point, I was less confident because her kitchen had seen more wear and was looking rough.  I told her to just continue putting away money for a renovation and not divert any funds to quick fixes.

Life, however, had other plans for my parents.  The last few years have been really difficult for them - I don't want to go into detail because it's just too sad.  But they've both put on a brave face and continued to be the giving, kind-hearted people they've always been, putting themselves last while continuing to help others even when they have nothing left to give.  This last year was an especially trying one for all of us and, if I'm being honest, at times I've found it difficult to make peace with what happened last spring.  But I've found refuge in my beautiful home.  I'm so grateful we found this place because I feel safe and at peace here; I'm happy when I'm at home. 

My parents, on the other hand - especially my Mom - haven't been able to find that kind of peace in their home and that has made me really sad for them.  With a major, to-the-studs reno planned for the kitchen "someday," but not today, I teamed up with Pfister  and Rust-Oleum to give my Mom's kitchen a cheery look she can love right now.  We didn't want to tear anything out, because that's the kind of domino effect that just escalates into a major project.  Instead, Mom and I have logged long hours working with what we have, trying to create something that will look good for a couple of years.

I'm especially antsy for the final "before" and "after" - I'm amazed already at how much fresher and brighter her kitchen looks! 

Shop Talk: What's New

Speaking of our ambitious shop goals, I'm pleased to report that we've had the shop stocked non-stop (say that ten times fast), since re-opening last September!  I joked on Monday about what a feat that is.  When we first opened, about three years ago, we got into this terrible habit of running it for a few months, making a few sales, then shutting down for a year or more, then re-opening and running it for a few months, then shuttering it again.  We've been closed more than we've been open!  It wasn't lack of interest - when we closed corresponded with time I spent in Budapest for my PhD research, first a month long language course, then a four month research stint.  Then Hubs and I moved across the province, so the shop was put on the back burner again.  It's made it decidedly less fun because getting started is usually the hardest part of any task, so this system was really terrible.  But we've now been open steadily eight months or so.  Yay!  I know we should be embarrassed by celebrating this incredibly small feat, but for us - me especially - it feels like a really big deal.

In addition to our shop sales, we've held a few successful Instagram sales, sold some larger vintage items locally, and we took part in a great flea market recently - which was surprisingly lucrative.  We're actually thinking of doing more vintage shows/flea markets, and the pop-up shop I've casually mentioned is looking even better now (we have the perfect venue, but it means performing a Herculean task in 36 hours).  We've even decided to dabble with eBay!  Have any of you listed items on eBay?  It took forever - simply because everything was new to me -  but we put up our first listing the other day.

I have no idea how to eBay, but I'm determined to keep trying.  It's just easier using Etsy, because it's so familiar.  I listed a bunch of new items, actually, and wanted to share my currents favorites...

This gorgeous bowl is West German pottery.   It caught our eyes because it boasts a gleaming green glaze coupled with a brown, faux bois exterior.  Both my Mom and I wanted to keep it, and we might still, but neither of us has the room (if we're being honest).

I had barely reached for these quirky solid wood egg cups when Hubby said, "No."  Wet blanket.  I think they are adorable and they will brighten someone's brunch.  I'm spreading joy, here.

You know me, brass isn't my thing, but that doesn't stop me from loving it in other people's homes!  This brass wall pocket, made in Italy, is a sturdy little guy, ready to hold a small cactus or air plant.  I'm probably going to bite it on the shipping because he's a beast. 

Similarly, "Western," is not how one would describe my style, but when I'm picking for the shop I try to narrow in on things that are unusual, beautiful, or on trend.  Certainly leather is having a moment.  Even if it wasn't, these Western glasses are awesome.

They need to be paired with these bakelite steak knives.  Or this whole bakelite cutlery set.  I have had a number of International folks want to buy them, but I am avoiding shipping to Europe for the time being.  Last time around I spent weeks chasing down a parcel to Italy, although other International shipments went smoothly - now I am a bit nervous.  But I guess this bakelite set speaks to Europeans...

Much more my speed, this Rosenthal vase (designed by Bjørn Wiinblad) has been super difficult to part with, but since moving to a smaller home I've already had to make some tough choices and sell some of my own vintage collection, so I can't really be adding anything new.  Seems counter-productive.  Can't say I'll be bummed if this doesn't sell, though.  This polka dot coffee pot is from Germany, too.  So is this Bareuther Waldsassen vase, which is really striking - like it was sliced from a glacier.  Those Germans have style!

Speaking of vases from my own collection for sale, this teal glass vase was originally for the shop but I scooped it, petted it for a bit, and have decided to set it free.  Hope it finds a loving home, because it's such a substantial piece.  I'm feeling good about it, because my aqua cased glass vase already sold, and so did these aqua shot glasses and these ones. 

Oh, and this teal one is for sale too.  It's identical to a swatch of paint in Bert's painting - but I have one the same size in a more blue teal and, frankly, I'm not much of a gardener so there's no way I'll ever produce multiple vases worth of blooms.

We're in agreement that the "atomic flower" on this Federal Glass luncheon set is a pot leaf, right?

But this is just a puppy.  Well, he's not just a puppy, he's a puppy with a polka dot shoe.  I bought him last summer but I stashed him with the Etsy stuff and only recently listed him.

I WANT these glasses, but I cannot commit to two new colours in the kitchen.  Orange was a big enough step for me.  Baby steps.

Quatrefoil is a fun word.  I've been enjoying typing it again and again.  But the longer I look at it, the more incorrectly it seems spelled.  This pottery piece was made in California - it just feels sunny, doesn't it?

I have reluctantly listed some Iittala - you know my passion for it!  I am still waiting for the right buyer for the whole Kastehelmi set, but I also found a matching ashtray, small plate, and I listed the solid glass polar bear.  I know, he is adorable.  

How could I not buy this milk glass silhouette vase?  It's got everything.  Speaking of milk glass, I love that this Federal Glass set is a full set of six! 

In the wake of my rock casualties, you can understand why I kind of want to keep this hunk of gorgeousness.  But my desk is so littered with junk, you'd never see it, anyway.  Seriously, within reach I've got a pirate pencil sharpener, a camera battery charger, a mason jar, holiday cards (holiday cards) I haven't put away, a book on hat making, a garbage bag tag for the dump, a huge pile or receipts and bills, and a swipe card from when I worked at the University of Ottawa.  Was I supposed to return that?  More importantly, where the heck did it come from?

I have an eerily similar round box on my nightstand, filled with dog treats for Szuka.  Mine is Hungarian Kalocsa, but I think the familiar shape and ethnic handpainted floral design of this sweet box lured me in.  Plus the lacquer is so shiny.

It's been awhile since I shared my shop favorites (February? Where does the time go??), so thanks for indulging me - there are 110 items for sale right now, so it was tough to choose.  Although it's so much more work than I ever imagined, I really enjoy our Etsy shop.  Connecting with people who finally found what they were looking for is the most fun part, and I especially love getting feedback from people who have bought items as gifts.  I've got some fun stories, for sure. 

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How to Paint a Brass Bar Cart Glossy White

This bar cart makeover has been a long time coming.  Because I found a great dining room cabinet right after buying this for the dining room, I decided to use the cart in the hall in lieu of the chevron useless table:

Because the hall has beige and dusty teal tiles, I thought the bright colour I originally planned would look weird.  My Mom concurred and suggested a glossy white, which we also thought wouldn't look too offensive with the grey smoked glass. 

Although the brass was a hit with some folks, the finish was worn in a lot of spots, and the finials had to go:

Luckily, the finials unscrewed easily, but then there was a weird, welded on frame to hold them in place inside the frame of the cart.  We replaced the finials with slices of wood dowel, which we glued in.  But then, paint was necessary to hide our hack:

Here's one last look at the cart in its gold glory (which actually could have been pretty):

Here it is, all shiny and new.  I used Rust-Oleum Universal Primer and Paint in one, in gloss white.

Alright . . . let me level with you folks: it's lovely and it complements the white embroidery on grey silk down the hall.  It doesn't scream for attention, which is good, because this is a busy part of the house with views to the kitchen, half bath, living room and more.  But if I were keeping this, I think I might fiddle more.  Something about it looks . . . not right.  I am thinking charcoal grey would be pretty!  Or maybe that greyish mint I used on the table?  I won't be fiddling, though, because (conveniently), the colour Mom helped me pick out will look perfect in her sewing room and there's no place for this in the lakehouse.  So convenient.

Look how nicely the little wooden dowel caps are hidden with paint on Mom's new cart:

For now I'm using it, and I love the practicality of the two shelves compared to our previous useless table because I've got little nicknacks on the bottom (a piggy bank for loose pocket change, a small Hungarian dish to store the iPod I grab when I go for a walk, a teak tray from Denmark that I snagged at VV), but the top is cleared for landing!  I plonk my purse there the minute I get home . . .

. . . and it's a super spot for the townhouse features sheet so people can grab one right away during showings or open houses.

Whether or not I like it, or get to keep it, it feels good that it is finally done!

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Giveaway: ILIOS Jewellery (Modern Hand-painted Brass)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.  THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED AND WHO HELPED SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL SHOP.  CLICK HERE TO SEE WHO WON!

Yesterday you saw my lovely new earrings from ILIOS, and got to know the designer a little better.  Now it's your turn to add the sweet sophistication of Kat's modern, geometric designs to your jewellery box.  The best part is, the lucky winner gets to choose a piece from three designs:

1. Double Triangle Hand-painted Earrings,
2. Chevron Triangle Necklace in Black ("Bird of Prey"), or
3. Turquoise Southwestern Dipped Diamond Point Earrings

HERE'S HOW TO WIN:

Visit Kat's Etsy shop, ILIOS, and take a look at her original designs.  Pick a favorite and then leave a comment below, letting us know what you like best from her shop.

FOUR BONUS ENTRIES:

1.  Follow Kat's shop, ILIOS.  (You'll want to do this anyway, because Kat hopes to have four lines appealing to the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water.  The hand-painted brass pieces recall Fire with their brilliant gleam and warm colours.  I can't wait to see what her soon-to-be-launched designs will look like, so I'm following ILIOS too!).

2.  Pin one (or more) of Kat's designs to your favorite Pinterest board.

3.  Let your friends and family know about this giveaway (via Twitter, Facebook, or over a cup of Joe).

4.  Tell your friends and family about Kat's stunning shop!

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry, letting us know what you did to enter (as well as a way to reach you if you win!).

Giveaway details:

This giveaway is open to anyone.  Anonymous entries are welcome, but please include a way to reach you (preferably email).  Contest closes Midnight EST, Thursday April 25th.  The winner will be announced April 26th, so check back!!  Winner will be chosen at random by random.org.

GOOD LUCK and have a lovely weekend!

P.S.  Want to know Kat's favorite design at the moment?  Her TOTEM earrings, because they are so eye-catching and such a good conversation-starter!  The asymmetrical designs are especially fun.

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New Jewels (For Me and You)

Tomorrow you'll have a chance to win a piece of jewellery from ILIOS!!  Often companies and shops approach me with proposals for a giveaway, but I'm so smitten with ILIOS jewellery that I approached the designer and owner, Kat, to partner with me.  I just knew you would love her modern aesthetic.  Here's a peek at her handmade, geometric jewellery:
 

Given how beautiful these hand-painted and hand-cut brass earrings and necklaces are, you can imagine how excited I was to receive this in the mail:

I fell in love with these brass and mint green triangle earrings the minute I spotted them in the shop.  I appreciate that each is hand-cut and hand-painted, plus I love how Kat's designs are modern and on-trend, but also quietly unique.  I think her jewellery is the kind that will always look current and fresh.

It's not enough to show you the earrings in the box.  You have to pretend you haven't seen me looking like this or this, because I want to show you how beautiful these earrings are on.  The size is perfect: not too big but not too small - they have a great weight too, which I'm picky about because some statement earrings are too heavy to be comfortable.  These feel great: light, but you can feel them move.  They are also really smooth to the touch, which makes them exceptionally addictive to wear.  I think they look stunning with hair up, but even with my long, straight dark hair worn all askew, the glint of these brass and mint beauties peeks through which is perfect, because so many earrings get lost in long hair.

When I asked Kat what inspires her, I was really moved by her answer:

I believe in the specialness of hand-painted objects, whether they are handmade cards, pieces of furniture, visual artwork, etc. When I began making jewelry, I noticed that there aren't a lot of hand-painted pieces of jewelry out there. I decided I wanted to bring that specialness into my designs. We live in a world so dominated by factory-made products, and I want to bring items to the world that have been touched with color by a human hand; bright, bold pieces that can be worn every day.

I also love being outdoors, especially during warm weather. I wanted to carry that feeling into my jewelry by using the angular shapes and bright colors one sees in bright, summer prints. This way, even when it's cold or dreary out, my pieces can remind me of warmth and sunlight.

 
I definitely get the feeling of warmth from her pieces.  The name "Ilios" means "light" in Greek, and it's so fitting.  The brass glows from within and the mint green is a perfect, summery shade (although the other colours she uses are also striking).  I think these earrings will look great with colourful dresses in the summer, but also add a much-needed dose of cheeriness to my grey and black staples all winter long.  Kat agrees!

My pieces are pretty versatile. I love pairing them with neutral palates, so that the color in my pieces really pops. But I also love the challenge of pairing bright tops with brilliantly colored earrings and necklaces. It makes a real statement! The geometric, slightly Southwestern look of my pieces works well with airy blouses and tees, but also pairs nicely with more feminine dresses and gives professional attire a bit of a more edgy, unique look.

Like her jewellery too?  You'll feel a little flattered when you find out who Kat designs her jewellery for!

My first customer was myself (and even now, my goal is to make pieces that I love and believe in). People who, like me, love color, enjoy mixing and matching their wardrobe and try to step out of their homes every day looking unique are the women I'm thinking about as I design my pieces. I design for the creative, trendy professional with an artistic, intriguing side.

If this sounds like you (or someone you're shopping for), take a look at Kat's shop, ILIOS (there is even a spring sale on right now!).  I guarantee one of her hand-painted brass necklaces or earrings will inject some warmth - and style - into your wardrobe.  And check back tomorrow for our giveaway!

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