How to Tarnish Zinc Plating

Zinc is naturally resistant to corrosion.

Zinc-plated items can be quite bright and silvery when first plated. When alloyed with copper, the resulting composition is brass. Zinc-plated metals are often admired for their brilliance and are polished to achieve a shiny look. However, there is a simple premade chemical solution you can use to antique or tarnish zinc-plated items, effectively dulling its shine and giving it an antique appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Clean cotton towels
• Copper/nickel polish
• Copper/nickel darkening solution

Instructions

1. Clean the zinc-plated item to remove dust and dirt from the surface. Use a clean cotton cloth and water to remove accumulated grime from the zinc-plated piece and a cotton swab for the details. Gently dab the surface to remove excess moisture.

2. Apply copper or nickel cleaner to a cloth and gently rub the cloth over the zinc-plated item, taking care to not be too aggressive. Copper or nickel cleaners can safely be used on zinc, as long as you are gentle. Using another clean and dry cloth, rub off any excess polish and buff the zinc-plated item to make sure you have an even finish.

3. Apply a darkening solution with a soft towel. A darkening solution instantly tarnishes zinc-plated surfaces, which are naturally resistant to corrosion. Once you achieve the color that you want, rinse the item in water and towel it dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the darkening solution in an area that is not readily visible to make sure you don't damage the piece.

• Use any chemicals in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Rufkahrs: Darkening Solution for Metals
• Key to Metals: Corrosion of Zinc