Upkeep

Brass unvarnished

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. When untreated it gradually becomes tarnished by oxidation. Especially when exposed to the elements it oxidises quickly. In old buildings and with restoration works this is sometimes a desired effect. If you want unvarnished brass to keep shiny, you are advised to use a proper brass polish. For these means Weijntjes has 100 Flint CC (Article nr. 7999) and 500 CC (Article nr. 7998). When tarnished or oxidised, it is best to buff it first. After buffing you can apply a coating of clear wax or acid free Vaseline (Article nr. 7991).

• Article nr. 7999: Polish flint 100 cc Order
• Article nr. 7991: Vaseline yellow acid free 125 gr Order

Brass varnished

In the factory the brass gets a transparent layer of varnish which protects the product against oxidation. The quality of the varnish used defines its durability. Since the varnish is applied to products that are being used intensively, the varnish wears of, which results in stains and dents. Especially outdoors this will occur. These products can only be polished once the layer of varnish has been removed. Once removed the brass can be treated as unvarnished brass. Weijntjes has a special product for this, articlenumner 8001.

• Article nr. 8001: Varnish remover for brass Order

Stainless Steel

Even stainless steel is prone to oxidation and consequently needs to be looked after properly. There are various qualities which are more or less resistant to rust. It helps to clean it regularly with water and household soap first, then apply some Vaseline. You can also use Stainless steel cleanser (Article nr. 9090). More serious stains can be treated using a solution of steel polish (Article nr. 9087) together with a fine steel wool.

• Article nr. 9090: Stainless steel cleanser aerosol 600 ml Order
• Article nr. 9087: Steel polish for stainless steel, chromium,aluminium 125 ml. Order

Aluminium

Aluminium finishes are anodised, which means they have been covered with a skin of aluminium oxide. This gives excellent protection against the elements. However, through intensive usage the protective skin could get damaged, exposing untreated aluminium. It is advisable to clean aluminium finishes on a regular base with a neutral detergent. Afterwards, using a clear wax or an acid free Vaseline could improve their durability.

Chromium/Nickel

Usually, at the base of these finishes is brass, coated with either nickel or chromium. This top layer does not have a protective coating. By outdoor use, no guarantees are given for its keep. The best way to look after these finishes is to clean it regularly, use a wax or an acid free Vaseline (Article nr. 7991) from time to time.

• Article nr. 7991: Vaseline yellow acid free 125 gr Order

Black lacquer

The cast iron finishes are protected by a layer of lacquer or epoxy. It is prone to rust, especially when used outdoors or when damaged. It is often being used in renovations. For its upkeep, it is best to treat it the same way as the material it has been mounted on. For upkeep of damages Weijntjes has Coating black (Article nr. 9140) or Coating mat black (Article nr. 9139)

• Article nr. 9139: Coating mat black Nr 2178 Order
• Article nr. 9140: Coating black Nr 2179 Order

Wood

Wooden finishes were very popular in early days. It was being used both outdoors and indoors. Some types of wood would be painted, others (e.g. oak, pock wood, hardwood) would be left untreated. Especially by outdoor use wood can be badly effected. For its upkeep it is best to use wax.

Titanium brass

Covering metal with a layer of titanium nitride is the most modern way of coating presently. The base material is usually stainless steel or chromium brass. This extremely hard coating guarantees a long lasting gloss, irrespective of indoor or outdoor usage. The manufactorer's warranty is five years. All that is required for the upkeep is the regular use of a wet cloth.

Gild / Gold plate

Gold has been applied in very thin layers. Polishing with a flannel duster is all it needs for the upkeep. By damaged surfaces oxidation could occur. It is not advisable to use gilded finishes outdoors.

Rust

These finishes do not need a specific kind of upkeep. When used indoors it is sufficient to polish it with a dry cloth. By outdoor use the rusting process will continue slowly. This process can be slowed down by the use of Vaseline (Article nr. 7991).

• Article nr. 7991: Vaseline yellow acid free 125 gr Order

Locks

• Locks
  The catch and dead bolts need a little bit of grease once every two years. Do not paint over the plate that catches the bolts, it may effect its proper use.
• Cilinders
  Once every two years inject a little bit of special lockspray. Do not use oil or any other products.
• Door springs
  Only use grease at rotation points.
• Hinges
  Use a silicon spray, grease or oil once a year. Replace broken or worn bearings.
• Windows furniture
  Regularly grease rotation points, using oil or a Teflon spray.

Espagnolettes

Before mounting, use a Teflon spray for the interior. Apply it to the bars as well. Once mounted, espagnolettes can be treated with oil or grease.