Why Original Door Furniture Is Worth Preserving

When people think about restoring a period door, they often focus on the timber — the panels, grain, mouldings and paint. But one of the most overlooked (and most valuable) parts of a door is the original ironmongery: the handles, hinges, knobs, escutcheons, letter plates, rim locks and latches that were fitted decades or even centuries ago.

At strippaint.co.uk, we don’t just strip and restore the wooden door itself — we also restore the hardware that gives it character, functionality and authenticity. Whether it’s Victorian brass, Edwardian iron, 1930s Art Deco handles or mid-century steel fittings, original door furniture is almost always worth saving.

Here’s why restoring your existing hardware is better than replacing it with modern parts — and how we bring metalwork back to life.

1. Higher Quality Than Modern Replacements

Most period hardware was made from:

  • Solid brass
  • Cast iron
  • Forged steel
  • Hand-worked components
  • Thick, durable metals that last decades

Modern replacements are often:

  • Hollow
  • Plated rather than solid metal
  • Made from lightweight alloys
  • Lower-quality imports
  • Not designed to last as long

Restored original hardware simply feels better — heavier, smoother, and built to last.

2. Authenticity: The Small Details Make the Door

Replacing ironmongery with modern parts can completely change the look of a door. Original handles, locks and hinges were designed for the style, period and proportions of the door they belong to.

When restored, original fittings add:

  • Character
  • Architectural accuracy
  • A consistent period feel
  • Increased property value

Nothing new ever looks quite the same.

3. Unique or Irreplaceable Designs

Vintage locks, decorative hinges, ornate escutcheons and traditional rim locks often cannot be purchased today — or if available, the modern reproductions lack the detailing and weight of the originals.

Once you throw away old hardware, it’s usually gone forever.

4. Better Fit and Function

Old doors were handmade, and so was much of the hardware. That means:

  • Hinges match the mortices
  • Locks fit the existing rebates
  • Keyholes align perfectly
  • Screw positions match old patterns

Replacing with new parts may require:

  • Cutting into the door
  • Filling and re-morticing
  • Re-drilling misaligned holes
  • Compromising the original timber

Restoring avoids all of this.

How We Restore Metal Door Furniture

At strippaint.co.uk, we use the same professional stripping methods used for metal gates and railings — but tailored for delicate hardware.

1. Paint & Varnish Removal

We remove:

  • Multiple layers of old gloss
  • Hand-applied brush paint
  • Hammerite
  • Lacquer
  • Tarnish
  • Rust deposits

Using either:

  • DCM chemical stripping (for thick or stubborn coatings)
  • Alkaline metal stripping
  • Manual fine-detail cleaning

This brings the metal back to its clean, original state.

2. Rust Removal & Surface Treatment

For iron or steel fittings we:

  • Remove rust
  • Stabilise deep corrosion
  • Treat the surface to prevent future rust
  • Restore strength where necessary

This ensures the item is not only attractive but structurally sound.

3. Polishing & Refinishing

Once stripped:

  • Brass can be polished to a mirror finish or left with a natural aged tone
  • Ironwork can be oiled, waxed or coated in metal lacquer
  • Steel can be primed and coated for durability

We finish to the customer’s preference — modern shine or authentic aged patina.

4. Repairing & Refurbishing Vintage Locks

Vintage locks are one of the most satisfying items to restore.

We can:

  • Strip and clean internal mechanisms
  • Free seized parts
  • Replace springs or worn components
  • Rekey or supply new working keys
  • Restore cases, flaps and keepers

Many customers are amazed when a 100-year-old lock works more smoothly than a modern one after a professional refurb.

5. Reinstallation & New Fixings

Old fixings such as screws, bolts, keepers and hinge pins are often corroded or worn.

We can supply:

  • Traditional slotted screws
  • Brass or steel replacements
  • Matching hinge pins
  • New keep plates
  • Rebuilt or repaired strike plates

Everything is refitted correctly to ensure smooth operation.

Why Restoring Hardware Completes the Restoration

You could spend time and money restoring a beautiful door — but fitting cheap modern handles or hinges instantly spoils the effect.

Restored ironmongery:

✔ Enhances the look of the stripped door
✔ Preserves historical accuracy
✔ Operates more smoothly
✔ Lasts far longer
✔ Adds value to your home
✔ Retains original materials instead of buying new

You’re not just restoring a door — you’re restoring a piece of history.

Want Your Door Furniture Restored? We Handle Everything

We can:

  • Strip the door
  • Remove all hardware
  • Restore hinges, locks, handles & escutcheons
  • Clean, repair and refit
  • Provide replacement period-style fixings
  • Ensure everything fits and functions perfectly

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