How to Make Metal Tarnish

How to Make Metal Tarnish thumbnail
Look no further than your grocery store for an ingredient to tarnish metal.

Tarnishing metal will give it an antiqued look. The process of tarnishing metal is called oxidation. This is a chemical process that occurs when metal reacts to a substance, turning it into a dark patina. This natural process can be manipulated at home with a few simple ingredients.

Things You'll Need

  • Eggs
  • Plastic container
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place five eggs in a pan and cover with an inch of water. Set to medium-high heat.

    • 2

      Turn off heat as soon as water begins to boil. Let eggs sit for 15 minutes in the hot water.

    • 3

      Remove eggs from water and let cool.

    • 4

      Peel hard-boiled eggs. Place eggs in a plastic container and mash.

    • 5

      Place metal in the container and surround with eggs. Seal lid onto container and set aside for 15 minutes.

    • 6

      Check metal every 15 minutes until it reaches the desired level of tarnish. Discard eggs.

    • 7

      Clean metal with soap and water.

Tips & Warnings

  • For tarnishing larger items such as tea kettles, simply boil more eggs and use a larger container for storage.

  • Do not eat eggs that have been used to tarnish metal.

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References

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  • Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images

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