Replies

1. 
   RickL | Feb 16, 2009 08:54pm | #1

   http://www.birchwoodcasey.com   Brass black found in many gun shops will do what you want. You have to remove the clearcoat finish from the brass. Lacquer thinner will do that.

   http://www.birchwoodcasey.com/news/4889.html

   I'm a Metalsmith and have doen this a lot.  Lacquer will work to remove the clearcoat and the Brass black is proven, reliable and safe.

   
   

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   Edited 2/17/2009 7:28 am ET by RickL

1. 
   tom77 | Feb 16, 2009 09:01pm | #2

   Rick,
   Thanks for the tip. Tom.

2. 
   MikeHennessy | Feb 16, 2009 10:17pm | #3

   The stained glass supply shop we use has a few products to darken metal to different colors/tones. It can be a royal PIA to remove whatever anti-tarnish coating the mfgrs use on stock brass parts, tho'. You'll need to do that before whatever chemical you choose can work on the brass.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

1. 
   tom77 | Feb 16, 2009 10:46pm | #4

   Mike,
   thanks for the tip. Tom.

1. 
   Gretchen | Feb 17, 2009 02:19am | #5

   It isn't really a problem to remove the tarnish preventers. It is lacquer. Lacquer thinner will do it.Gretchen

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Feb 17, 2009 03:13pm | #9

   "It isn't really a problem to remove the tarnish preventers. It is lacquer. Lacquer thinner will do it."

   Sometimes. ;-)

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

3. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 17, 2009 05:10am | #6

   Tom,

   I was able to antique some brass escutcheon pins by simply soaking them in water seasoned with a good dose of salt.

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

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

1. 
   tom77 | Feb 17, 2009 07:11am | #7

   Chris,
   What sort of finish resulted? Was it smooth or corroded/pitted?Thanks, Tom.

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 17, 2009 07:17am | #8

   Tom,It was smooth, but had the same colour as antique brass.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com(soon to be http://www.flairwoodworks.com)

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