Quick Tip // Removing Paint from Hardware

We had already purchased new knobs before realizing they did not fit properly in our existing doors. We were faced with the decision to either buy new doors with standard openings or salvage the existing knobs and hinges (that were covered in paint). We chose the latter. Luckily, this project was a super simple one! A few hours in the slow cooker with water and a bit of laundry detergent and the paint and grime easily scrubbed off (though I wouldn’t recommend using the same ceramic pot for cooking meals again). We still plan on spray painting them for an even finish, but by salvaging our existing hardware, we managed to save over $300!   Money that we can spend on something a little more exciting than knobs and hinges, don’t you think?

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February 29, 2012 - 1:41 am

kelleyn - Great job!

February 29, 2012 - 7:45 am

lou - hooray! sometimes it can be so easy :-)

February 29, 2012 - 8:33 am

Cafe Fashionista - Gah! That is such an incredible discovery, Maddy! I feel like I am learning all about the home buying / renovating process vicariously through you. It will definitely come in handy for me in the future! :)

February 29, 2012 - 8:36 am

yummychunklet - Great tip!

February 29, 2012 - 9:58 am

Amy - I love it when a plan comes together. Easily. :)

And for the record–I think those knobs have character (leave it to me, naturally).

February 29, 2012 - 10:12 am

Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - I like that they have character too! The cheapest door knobs they had at the store look like the ones you’d find at the office…bleh!

February 29, 2012 - 10:36 am

JWS3 - everything is so DIY with you guys…

February 29, 2012 - 10:58 am

Sarah - Dodeline Design - Wow what a great tip! Good for you! I actually really like those knobs!

February 29, 2012 - 11:17 am

Camila Faria - You guys are so clever! And YAY for all the money you saved!

February 29, 2012 - 11:40 am

Gloria - Who knew the slow cooker had so many uses?? This is great to know!

February 29, 2012 - 1:35 pm

The Guilty Hyena - A tidy little restoration project :)

February 29, 2012 - 1:53 pm

Elle sees - I had no idea about the knobs…I figured it was a One Size Fits All deal. Glad you figured out how to rework em

February 29, 2012 - 3:23 pm

Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - It usually is, but since our house was built in 1939, some of the features are no longer considered standard. So the holes on the doors didn’t fit the new standard knobs…go figure! I thought changing the knobs was going to be a breeze…

February 29, 2012 - 3:46 pm

Tiera - I love DIY fixes like this! And I’m so glad you guys are having success with all the home improvement stuff you’re doing on you own!!

March 1, 2012 - 2:22 pm

Krysten - So helpful, thanks!

March 1, 2012 - 5:21 pm

Sabine - What a fantastic trick! I guess you not only saved money, the old ones might also look much prettier.

March 2, 2012 - 1:45 am

Angelia Sims - Excellent tip! I love those door knobs. Glad you were able to salvage them. :-)