Hello all,
I am about to build a toolbox to match one my father made for himself many moons ago. All the brass hardware has a wonderfull aged patina that I would like to duplicate if at all possible. Is there some fuming method or other such magic to accomplish this on both solid and plated brass?
Thanks,
B²
Replies
You will have to soak the anti-tarnish agent off with lacquer thinner. Fuming with amonia should turn it towrds green, I've done thos more on copper. For a brownish patina on brass I use a Birchwood Casey product called brass black one should be able to find in a gun shop.
http://www.sculpt.com/
Go to the patina section in the online catalog
You might also look for a substance called "liver of sulphur" -- good art supply places have it in liquid form. Heat the brass w/ a heat gun, then brush it on... heat some more, perhaps. Once you work out how much heat is enough, this gives a nice greenish tarnished effect. It does smell sort of disgusting and sulphurish, though...
Good luck.
Then again is the Po Mans method, get a plastic pan and wrap the brass parts in a throw away old towel, then soak the towel and parts with cider vinegar for a couple of days or until you get the aging that you prefer. As far as the brass plated stuff I don't know if it will work, never tried it on plated brass only brass beads for an old look for indian costumes.
Frank
The Birchwood Casey stuff works good and is fast. I usually dilute it with water 1 to 3. As with everything you will have to practice to get the results you want. Patinas are a profession in itself. Liver of sulfur does more on copper than brass.
Edited 5/15/2002 8:21:11 PM ET by rick3ddd
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