How to Distress Bronze

Bronze finishes distress, naturally, over time.

If you're looking for a way to distress a bronze metal finish for an antique look, you can do so through an oxidation process. Oxidizing bronze finishes creates a patina, which brings out the natural colors of the metal, such as blues and greens, while also making the finish darker and less shiny. Distressing bronze requires the use of a special chemical solution known as liver of sulphur, to make the oxidation process possible.

Things You'll Need

• Sauce pan
• Water
• Stove
• Liver of sulfur solution
• Mixing bowl
• Mixing spoon
• Plastic tub
• Sponge
• Clean, dry rag
• Brass brush

Instructions

1. Heat water in a sauce pan over the stove. Read the packaging label of the liver of sulfur to determine the water-to-chemical ratio. Depending on the brand of liver of sulfur you purchased, you might mix one part water to two parts chemicals, or one part water to one part chemicals.

2. Allow the water to heat until it begins to bubble, but not boil. Distressing bronze is more effective when the water is hot, because it creates a stronger reaction with the chemicals.

3. Add the liver of sulfur to a mixing bowl and pour the water over it. Use a mixing spoon to combine the solution. Do not use bowls or spoons that you intend to use again for culinary purposes.

4. Set the bronze item in a plastic tub, which will catch the liquid as it rolls off the object. Or, if the item is too large, perform the distressing process outside where it is safe to make a mess. Make sure the area is well ventilated.

5. Dip a sponge into the liquid solution and apply the sponge to the bronze. Rub the sponge over the surface of the bronze to stimulate the oxidation process. You may want to distress the bronze in one particular area, in several areas or over the entire object.

6. Use a clean, dry rag to shine the area where you apply the liquid solution. The rag helps wipe off any excess solution so that the liver of sulfur does not linger on the surface, thereby causing the bronze to turn black.

7. Brush the bronze surface with a brass brush, which you can purchase from hardware stores. Brass brushes are effective for polishing the surface of the bronze without scratching it.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves to protect your hands when working with chemicals such as liver of sulfur.

References

• Holly Gage: Beauty and the Beastly Smell