Antique door hardware can change the whole look of a place for the better. The problem is, with all the years the piece used to build up its beautiful vintage look, it may have built up other problems, too. The good news is there’s an easy formula to strip vintage hardware of its paint or other buildup. (We keep this recipe and other DIY tips on the Second Use DIY Guide.) The hardware recipe is cheap and uses everyday materials you already have in the house. It will make your antique hardware look as good as new again… only old.

Check out the before and after shots from one Second Use employee who used her snow day for a greater good.