Q: Black stains are forming on the brass entry hardware of our front door, and I want to get rid of them. How do I strip the clear, factory coating so the brass can be polished?

A: I've had excellent results polishing brass lock sets 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.

4 Easy Steps to Shine your Door's Brass Hardware:

1. Daub it on liberally with a clean cotton rag
2. Rub it in
3. Let it dry for a few minutes
4. Polish 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, lacquered brass remain, a gentle wipe with lacquer thinner removes it before you polish again.