Remember that half the joy of achievement is in the anticipation.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Still working on those hinges...

Hi all.
Yes. It's true. I'm still working on the cabinet hinges. Thirty hinges to soak, boil and scrub clean is no easy feat, plus with the heat and humidity we've been experiencing, the last thing I wanted to do was put on a pot of boiling water. Like I need it any more hot or muggy around here (pant, pant, wiping brow) Still, I'm happy with my progress. Chanting to self--- slow & steady wins the race, slow & steady wins the race, slow & steady (pfew!). I've noticed that some of the hinges clean up faster and easier then others. Some I've had to soak/simmer for as long as 2 1/2 hours, others are in and out within an hour. I've been doing a few at a time, making sure they get enough time in the "jacuzzi" and then once they are all clean and shined up, I put them back in their respective baggie. Before we embarked upon this adventure, Hubby made a diagram of our kitchen, numbering each cabinet. As each hinge was removed, I placed it into a baggie marked with it's co-ordinating cabinet number. That way when we're ready to re-hang cabinets, attach my vintage hinges and hardware, we know EXACTLY where it came from and where it's been these past 54 years.

I've added a few "tools" to assist in my cleaning process. Along with the old towels, I've decided to lay down newspaper to catch the paint peels and chips, a very fine grit steel wool (luckily it isn't leaving any scratch marks) & a small metal key with a tiny point to dig out the paint from those little nooks and crannies. Also wanted to mention, that after I've cleaned them up, I give them a quick rinse in some cool water. I've noticed that the baking soda leaves a bit of a residue. Anyway, rinse them off, dry them with a soft cloth and then I polish them up. I'm using a fair amount of "elbow grease", but as you can see, it is proving to be worth it.
At this point, I've 10 hinges that are paint free and back to their original glory. I love them! Here's a link to my original post about the hinges. "Un-hinge Me"

11 comments:

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Hi Girlfriend :)
Thanks for being the first one to enter for the give away :) Those hinges are a project. Thanks for sharing on how to remove the paint. I didn't know that. Also, LOVE your PINK linen and dishes. They are special. My "time"is up for blogging today/night. Time does fly when blogging. Have a good Monday. We'll talk soon! Warmly, Deb

Anna Marie said...

Hey Rechelle,
Please send your address to me at this email...
annabanana_vw@hotmail.com
So that I can FINALLY get that magazine out to you. So sorry that we haven't been able to email each other.
God bless,
Anna

carolyn@simple~primitive~devotion said...

I think what you are doing is wonderful and so worth the time & effort! You are doing a great job. I never knew that boiling them would help to remove the paint! Thanks for the tips!

Dawn said...

That is a lot of work you are doing! I've spent hours just cleaning handles on the cupboards. I don't know if I would venture to the hinges...but then again mine aren't painted. I hope you are keeping cool. I admire your efforts!

take care,
Dawn

Kim's Treasures said...

Looking good! All the hard work is going to pay off!
Have a great day!
Kim

Raggedy Angel said...

you are a better woman than me....You go girl! Beth

Linda said...

Wow! A major job, but well worth the effort. I look forward to seeing the kitchen re-do. Hugs, Linda

Eva said...

Rechelle, I just wanted to thank you for the award and for your kind words. Both are very much appreciated. Your blog is coming along so wonderfully. I always look forward to visiting you. Take care!
Eva

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

Hi I just got your message about my cabinet doors w/ the beadboard. My husband used the beadboard paneling, he cut out the size needed then laid it right on top of the cabinet door (he didn't cut out center of cabinet door)and then applied the molding. I hope this answers your question without being to confusing!
Hugs~Kelly

Eva said...

I admire your dedication, and the results will be so worth it. Knowing that always keeps me going on a project.

Anonymous said...

you did a wonderful job with those hinges. i sure wish i would've known that method years ago when i redid a lot of my kitchen and dining room cabinets. i used stripease and the fumes were terrible. some of the hinges in the bedrooms were brass. i couldn't believe anybody painted over them! have a great time redoing everything-you should be so proud of yourself. suesue