How to Antique Brass Hardware
Brass is a strong, malleable and inexpensive alloy of copper and zinc that has been used for centuries to create machine parts, decorative objects and fixtures. Brass colors range from gold to gray-silver, depending on their exact alloy ratio. Over time, all brass oxidizes and takes on a brown or greenish patina. This patina is often desirable to craftspeople or designers, because it gives an object the illusion of age---especially useful when replacing or matching new brass fixtures to older ones.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Unlacquered brass fixture
- Plastic bucket with lid
- Wood block at least 6 inches tall
- Clear household ammonia
- Clean, dry rag
Instructions
-
-
1
Put on protective gloves and goggles. Open the windows if antiquing inside---make sure there is adequate ventilation.
-
2
Place the wooden block into the bucket and place the brass fixture on top of the wooden block.
-
-
3
Pour 2 to 3 inches of ammonia, full strength, into the bucket around the block. Do not allow any ammonia to splash onto the brass fixture.
-
4
Secure the bucket lid.
-
5
Allow to stand for a few minutes, and then carefully check to see how the piece's antique patina is progressing. It may take a few minutes or a few hours, depending on the size and composition of the piece, but eventually, the brass fixture will begin to darken, and then take on a greenish patina.
-
6
Remove the brass fixture when it has antiqued as much as you would like. Buff off any ammonia condensation with the rag.
-
7
Dispose of the leftover ammonia in accordance with local laws for waste disposal.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Ammonia evaporates quickly, so you may need to add more ammonia to the bucket if your piece takes more than a few minutes to get its antiqued look.
Never leave the bucket unattended. Keep it away from children and pets.
References
- Photo Credit brass handle image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
