Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 10, 2009 12:40am | #1

   Try googling on brass patination You will get lots of hits giving many, many formulae.  So it's pretty easy to get a nice antique look on brass.  BUT, your problem is much much harder, trying to get it to match some commercial process.  That's almost impossible.  At the least it calls for LOTs of experimentation, though you could get lucky. 

   If you really need a match, I'd recommend replacing all the brasses including those that are already there. 

2. 
   user-67934 | Apr 10, 2009 03:50am | #2

   I recently antiqued a pair of bright brass hinges.  The hinges were solid brass, but the screws were brass plated.  I removed the finish by soaking them in lacquer thinner and wiping them clean.  I then fumed them by putting them in a small jar with a rag soaked in household ammonia.  Keep an eye on it.  I've found if you let it go too long, it will turn blue.  Also, the brass plated screws didn't turn out as well as the solid brass.

3. 
   flairwoodworks | Apr 10, 2009 05:19pm | #3

   Marti,

   I've used home-made salt water to antique solid brass escutcheon pins. I didn't remove any coating (if there was any). I let them soak for several days to achieve the look I wanted.

   Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
   (soon to be www.flairwoodworks.com)

    - Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer