How to Antique Aluminum

Manually age aluminum to give it that antiqued look.

Making anything look older than it really is can be a tricky task and working with new aluminum is no exception to the rule. True antique aluminum has that perfect patina and all the nicks and dents that tell a tale of the metal's history and use. Whether you are antiquing an aluminum breadbox or something larger like a motorcycle side car, getting that aged patina you are looking for can be achieved with chemicals and some good old fashioned hard work.

Things You'll Need

• Dust cloth
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Latex gloves
• Olive or linseed oil
• Fine steel wool
• Microfiber cloth or towel
• Car wax
• Brass brush bit
• Power drill

Instructions

1. Determine the look and amount of antiquing you want to apply to your aluminum. Starting with a small amount of aging and building up to your preferred finish will give you the results you want.

2. Clean off the metal with a dust cloth to prepare the metal for antiquing. If there is dust or grime on the metal use a microfiber cloth and water to clean the aluminum. Chemical cleaners can leave unwanted pits and stains.

3. Make a few rub and scratch marks to imitate wear using a fine-grit sandpaper. Think of typical wear areas, such as corners and edges, and lightly rub the fine-grit sandpaper on those areas. Dust off sanded areas to remove any grit.

4. Using latex gloves, rub a thin coat of olive or linseed oil onto the aluminum. Lightly go over the entirety of the metal with a piece of fine steel wool and smooth out the scratches made by the sandpaper. Wipe off all of the oil using a microfiber cloth or towel.

5. Coat the aluminum with a thick layer of clear car wax. Attach a brass brush bit to a power drill and go over the entire surface of the aluminum. Varying pressure will result in areas of the metal looking brighter or darker than others. Rub the corners with steel wool to add a polished shine.

6. Remove the wax with a microfiber cloth. Rubbing areas more than others will buff the surface and give those areas a brighter sheen. Evaluate the aluminum and decide if the look you achieved is exactly what you want. Repeat any of the steps as preferred to get that perfect antiqued patina.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a brass brush bit that has a full brush, like a brass wire cup brush.

References

• "Popular Science"; Antiqued Aluminum Chest; R.J. DeCristoforo; August 1947