How to Restore Cabinet Hinges

Cabinet hinges can take a beating and become worn over time, potentially becoming rusty over time.

Rust won’t hinder the functioning of your hinges, but it does look unsightly. Luckily, cleaning them off using products found around your kitchen should be simple enough.

Remove the Screws

When cleaning hardware such as cabinet hinges, it is always advisable to unscrew and unassemble them first. Doing this allows you to thoroughly clean all aspects of the hardware without risking damaging its elements by trying to do it while it remains attached; plus it makes accessing screws much simpler compared to trying to reach all areas with tight spaces between hardware. By taking the time and care required to dismantle and remove hardware completely you ensure every area of it has been taken care of!

Use a drill to unscrew each cabinet hinge’s two mounting screws, saving them for future use. Use a screwdriver or cold chisel to loosen its head, before pulling out of its hole in the door jamb using firm force as you must use strong gripping power as the pin can be subjected to considerable pressure in its position.

Once a hinge has been disassembled, it is important to clean off the grease that has built up over time using wire brushes or toothbrushes to scrub it clean. After doing so, rinse with warm water and soap, allowing it to dry before reassembling it.

Many products on the market can help you clean rusty cabinet hinges, including WD-40. But oftentimes you can achieve similar results at home using household items alone – numbering each cabinet door would help when reassembling them! For optimal results it is wise to number each hinge so as to remember where it came from when reassembly occurs.

Once the grease has been scrubbed off of each hinge, use a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to wipe each one down thoroughly and ensure any leftover grease will be eliminated – this will also ensure the paint you intend to apply adheres properly to its surface.

Before painting hinges, they must first be sanded to remove rust and other marks, which will allow paint to adhere more securely. After sanding is complete, clean each hinge again before applying metal primer followed by high-grade, oil-based cabinet hinge paint.

Clean the Hinges

Cabinet hinges may remain out of sight, yet still accumulate grime and rust over time. Luckily, cleaning hinges is a relatively straightforward process: remove them from their door and set them aside on a clean work surface; use degreaser to loosen dirt and grease build-up from them before wiping down with a damp cloth afterwards.

As part of your hinge cleaning, be sure to soak them in warm water with vinegar before using an old toothbrush to scrub. Failure to do this may result in peeling or flaking later. Typically, this process can be accomplished by soaking your hinges in warm water with vinegar before scrubbing them using an old toothbrush.

Once your hinges have been submerged in water, allow them to dry for several minutes before you begin scrubbing them with a soft brush like an old toothbrush or microfiber cloth to avoid scratching them and leading to their tarnishment. Baking soda may also help if necessary!

Once your hinges have been scrubbed clean, rinse them under cold running water to make sure that they are completely devoid of grime and then dry them using a clean cloth before adding a rust inhibitor for extra protection against further rusting.

Before beginning painting hinges, it’s advisable to apply a light coating of metal primer and enamel. Once dry, mask off any areas which won’t need painting such as screw holes. Once they have set properly you can start your journey!

Always ensure you wipe down hinges prior to and after painting them to prevent rusting and ensure proper adhesion of paint job. Furthermore, regularly incorporate cleaning hinges as part of kitchen cleaning regiment in order to keep them looking their best!

Home improvement stores carry an assortment of metal primer and enamel products for your painting projects, so when the time comes follow the instructions on their packaging to paint.

Remove Rust

Cabinet hinges, like other metal components, can become susceptible to rust. Rust damages the metal’s surface, turning it an unsightly orange or brown hue and disrupting normal operation of hinges. To effectively rid themselves of this condition and preserve their functionality for as long as possible, thorough cleaning is the key solution – especially as any further rust accumulation could cause doors squeak when opening and closing, leading to difficulty operating them altogether!

To clean hinges, first remove them from their cabinet door with a screwdriver or drill and lay them out on cardboard or towel to catch any drops of water that may fall from them. Use a damp cloth and scrub off any dirt, grime or rust accumulated over time before treating your hinges with a rust inhibitor to further protect them against future rusting.

There are various products on the market designed to remove rust, such as WD-40. But you don’t have to rely on expensive commercial cleaners – vinegar, salt and water can work just as effectively in dissolving rust as professional products – to clean hinges in your home. Chemistry plays an integral part in dissolving it; when metals come into contact with each other they react chemically producing a solution which dissolves it leaving it looking like new again!

Fill a bowl or sink with warm water, mixing in mild liquid soap. Soak hinges for 30 minutes in this mixture before using an old toothbrush or electric toothbrush with its brush end immersed in this solution to scrub them vigorously for any remaining signs of rust before thoroughly rinsing off any leftover solution.

Once the hinges have been carefully cleaned and dried with a cloth, apply a thin coat of mineral oil to protect them from further rusting. Reattach them to cabinets and doors – and enjoy your restored cabinet hardware!

Polish the Hinges

Smudge-proof hinges will complete your newly painted cabinetry perfectly! Start by carefully unhooking them from their cabinets using either a manual or electric screwdriver; take extra precaution if there is severe rust on metal hinges as this could damage them or the door. Set them aside on a clean work table in an area with adequate ventilation before lightly sanding to remove scratches, then prepare for painting by wearing rubber gloves and keeping the work space free of dust or debris before laying each hinge onto a piece of cardboard or polystyrene foam which protects them while leaving space between each one for spraying!

Use metal primer and oil-based spray paint to coat hinges. Follow the directions on the can to achieve a uniform, smooth coat. Allow time for them to dry according to manufacturer, then apply a second coat; let it set for 24 hours before attaching them back on doors.

If you don’t want to invest in special paint, there are other ways of polishing cabinet hinges without spending extra. Baking soda mixed with vinegar makes an effective cleaning solution for brass hinges; simply rub on with a brush, rub the paste onto them, then rinse.

Or you could combine warm water and dish soap for an easier solution. Once they’re clean, rinse well and dry them on a towel before polishing them with steel wool or fine-grit sandpaper for an aesthetically pleasing shine.

Before reinstalling the hinges onto your cabinet doors, wipe them down with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to remove any residual dirt left from cleaning and sanding, before spraying a light coating of mineral oil on each one to protect from future rusting. Now your hinges will add an exquisite finishing touch to your newly painted cabinets!