How to Apply Hand Rubbed Bronze Finish
Adding a bronze finish to candlesticks, picture frames or even a kitchen faucet can enhance the look of your home without a lot of added cost. Several brand name bronzing applications are available at your local home improvement store. Because a true bronze finish involves a chemical reaction called oxidation, you must use the right products --and follow the right steps--to achieve the desired look. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Brass, copper or bronze surface
- Steel wool
- Lacquer remover
- Soft rag
- Mild cleanser
- Oxidation solution
- Dark paint
- Spray paint
Instructions
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Applying a True Bronze Finish
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1
Make sure the surface you're coating is either brass, copper or bronze. If the entire object isn't composed of one of these metals, then make sure the surface you plan on finishing is at least electroplated with one of them. These metals are intrinsic to the oxidation process, in which the metals and the applied chemicals react with oxygen to provide the distinctive look of a bronze finish.
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2
Apply lacquer remover to the metal with steel wool. (Not all surfaces will have lacquer, which is a translucent, shiny finish applied to metals, so you may be able to skip this step). Clean the metal using a mild detergent and soft cloth. Make sure you get into all the crevices to remove all the dirt. Sand down any rusted parts with sandpaper (it's unlikely you'll have rusted parts if the metal had a lacquer finish).
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3
Apply an oxidation/patina solution. Follow the directions on the product's packaging for the exact application instructions, as these will differ from brand to brand. Generally, you'll apply an aging solution to your surface, which will begin the oxidation process.
Applying a Faux Bronze Finish
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4
Select the item you want to finish. Because this process does not involve oxidation, you can choose any type of solid surface, including wood or plastic.
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5
Clean the surface thoroughly, using a mild cleanser.
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6
Apply paint to the entire surface. Use a dark color for best results. Either spray paint or traditional paint applied with a paintbrush will work. Follow the directions on your paint product regarding drying time.
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7
Add bronze spray paint to the surface. You can the paint directly onto the object, or you can spray the paint onto a rag and apply it by hand. Let it dry.
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8
Apply a mixture of the dark paint used in Step 3 and water to the surface, using a rag.
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1
Tips & Warnings
For Section 1, you may choose to re-coat your metal with a protective lacquer or sealant; this could affect the oxidation process and, therefore, the ultimate look of the metal.
Don't expect to see complete results immediately. Oxidation is a slow process that happens over time. The effect you see now may be different from the effect you see a year from now. Step 3 merely sets up your metal to go through the oxidation process over time.
Section 2 does not involve oxidation. Therefore, the finished product will not have the same patina as the product produced in Section 1. The objects may look similar immediately following the application process, but the item in Section 1 will oxidize over time, dramatically changing its look.
Always work in a well-ventilated area when handling chemicals.
The products applied to the metal in this project can be dangerous to skin and eyes. Wear protective gloves and goggles. Wash your hands immediately if you come into direct contact with any of these materials.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit faucet image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
