Polishing brass entry hardware

Q: How can I get rid of the black stains encroaching on the brass entry hardware of our front door? How do I strip the factory coating so the brass can be polished?

A: I've had excellent results polishing brass entrance hardware using an old-time metal polish called Brasso. It may or may not take off the remnants of the factory-applied lacquer that's sprayed on most brass hardware to inhibit corrosion, but try some polish alone to see. Daub Brasso on liberally with a clean cotton rag, rub it in, then let it dry for a few minutes before polishing it off. You may have to repeat the process a few times to get down to bright metal. A toothbrush is ideal for cleaning nooks and crannies. If remnants of unpolished, factory-coated areas remain, a gentle wipe with lacquer thinner will remove it before you polish again.