How to Age a Brass Horse

A brass horse is a symbol of endurance and strength. If it happens to have a fly on it, it is symbolic of instant success. Depending on your décor or taste preference, a brass horse may look better if it is not quite so shiny. Brass is such a versatile metal. It can be shiny and glossy or it can turn into a blue-green patina coloring. Aging brass is a very simple process that can add years and elegance in a minimal amount of time.

Things You'll Need

• Glass jar Cotton balls Ammonia String Soft clean cloth

Instructions

1. Find a glass jar or container big enough to fit the brass horse into.

2. Place cotton balls soaked in ammonia in the bottom of the jar.

3. Suspend the brass horse in the jar over the cotton balls so that they don't touch the cotton and ammonia. This can be done by affixing string to the horse and pulling the ends of the string outside of the jar and securing the lid tightly.

4. Allow the brass horse to sit in the jar for at least 20 minutes, or longer if more aging is required.

5. Rinse the brass horse in clean water and dry it completely with a clean, dry cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Brass can also be aged by painting it with vinegar or salt water. Using a heat torch will also give it a beautiful rainbow effect, but be sure that the brass horse does not have any lacquer on it as lacquer is flammable.

• Use gloves and ventilate well when handling ammonia.