Silicone spray's decent, but I've found dry PTFE lubricant works even better on old locks—especially antique brass ones. Doesn't attract dust like silicone sometimes can...saved me from drilling out a client's vintage cabinet lock last month.
Dry PTFE's good stuff, but honestly graphite powder's always been my go-to for antique locks. Messy at first, sure, but once it's in there it lasts forever and zero dust attraction. Saved me a headache more than once...
Graphite's solid, but I've moved away from it lately—mostly because of the mess factor and staining issues on lighter finishes. Been using powdered mica instead:
- Natural mineral, eco-friendly option.
- Smooth action, doesn't gum up or attract dirt.
- Zero staining or discoloration, even on delicate surfaces.
Worked wonders on a stubborn Victorian-era lock I restored last summer. Worth a try if you're open to alternatives.
Interesting you mention mica—I stumbled onto it last year when I was restoring some antique cabinet hinges. Graphite had always been my go-to, but the staining drove me nuts, especially on painted surfaces. Switched to mica powder and haven't looked back since. One tip: apply sparingly with a small brush or cotton swab—less is definitely more. Saved me from a repeat lock-out drama with an old pantry door...lesson learned the hard way.
"Graphite had always been my go-to, but the staining drove me nuts, especially on painted surfaces."
Had the exact same issue with graphite leaving smudges on a client's white cabinetry—nightmare to fix. Curious though, does mica hold up well long-term, or have you noticed any buildup issues over time?
