I have a table base I’d like to age. Jen. Wear safety googles and rubber gloves when aging brass or any metal. I have also included a way to age brass so it takes on a verdigris color. Careful mixing hydrogen peroxide with vinegar, it makes peracetic acid, which is nasty stuff to breathe or touch. The  “000” steel wool does not scratch the surface, it only removes some of the Brass Ager so you can achieve the exact look you desire. There’s no way to remove these with-out messing up the jacket… but I wold like to age them. Diane–found them! Wear protective gloves and eyewear while working with paint stripper. Note: Before you use either method, you must remove any lacquer on the brass first. I think for around $10, it’s worth a try so I’ll let you know if/when I get to trying it, too! The first uses a product called, Brass Ager. Hi Karen – The Brass Ager is a pretty cool product. Diane ~ would you share where you found these pulls? You can tell the difference with the help of a magnet. It did not show up in the comment stream. Clean brass has a bright, golden brown appearance. Mix 16 ounces hydrogen peroxide, 2 ounces of white vinegar, and 1/2 tablespoon salt. Trying to find this brass ager in Montreal , no luck. I can’t seem to find them anywhere or maybe I’m not using the right search term. Would it be possible to do a fireplace surround? When I looked for it online, I discovered that it was $8.59 (8 oz.) Though Antique Brass stems from the Victorian Era, its high-gloss finish gives it a touch of the modern world. It only takes a minute. 2. It may take a few hours or overnight to see results, it will slowly change the brightness of the brass. Thanks so much for your quick reply, Diane! Polish the Brass Regularly. Thank you for posting this diy. I have been looking at hardware (brass) for a hutch I am redoing. Since you will be working one section at a time, use the steel wool to blend each section so the color looks even all over. With a large piece, I would do it outside and have a hose handy. You should see the surface start to change within 10 seconds. I am hoping it will go very flat and look like a much older instrument. They did however have bright brass in stock. Before & After Exterior House Painting Reveal, Adding a Kitchen Island to My Small Kitchen, Why I Like To Decorate Using the SLOW Method, Copyright © 2020 In My Own Style, Diane Henkler, Invaluable Painting Tips For the Home Decorator, Paint Recommendations for the DIY Decorator, DIY Chalk Paint Recipes For Painting Furniture, Soak your item for 1 hour in a mixture of vinegar and salt. I am still dreaming of doing at least a chest of drawers (all I have now) like you did your guest room dresser….. Let dry. Fill one side of the kitchen sink with warm water. Scrub the brass with fine steel wool to remove any remaining coating. It has been over two years since I did my brass pulls and I did not use lacquer or any type of sealer over them. Generally the most effective way to distinguish brass from copper is by color: copper typically exhibits the color of a new penny--kind of an orange, almost reddish color. InMyOwnStyle.com receives a small commission when certain items are purchased, but the price is the same for you. Can you suggest how I would age a large piece of brass? When the piece is cool enough to handle, clean it by wiping it all over with a clean dry cloth. I was upset that I couldn’t get the ones I wanted right away, but then figured, I could buy the bright brass and do a little DIY magic on them to tone them down a bit. Is the acetone the same kind as is in regular nail polish remover? I will have to try it out. The faux antique brass finish is easily achieved using only two products from the Fusion Metallics line. Tired of running out of hot water? I like the thought of aging the brass, cuz I really do NOT care for the shiny gold look, either. Determine if the brass you want to age has lacquer on it. Dip the item into boiling water and let it boil for a few seconds. Once it is off, wash the chalice and then polish. at House of Antique Hardware. Thanks, I bought it online at House of Antique Hardware. how do you distess a BRASS table? Do you think it would work to paint the acetone on and then wipe it off and then follow with the ager and wipe it off too? Using a salt and vinegar rub is the simplest and cheapest way to rough up your brass. Too much coverage with the Gold Leaf R&B on the black ring made it scream GOLD!! Any soggestions ? Hi Sue – Yes you will be able to apply the Brass Ager with a rag. Smaller items are easy since you can just dip them into the brass ager. Use 1 tbsp. :) I am planning my dream kitchen for our new-build, hopefully happening this spring and summer, and your dresser is the inspiration for my lower cabs, aged brass and all. If you want to make brass look like nickel or silver-toned, you can find out how I did it in this post: Filed Under: Decorating Tips and Tricks, DIY & Crafts, Furniture Makeovers. eBay makes it easy and cost-friendly to obtain brass bedroom furnishings for your vintage design with the variety of brass beds and other pieces for your cozy bedroom. Hi Nancy – Wow! We are buying a home that has a ton of shiny brass… bathroom, door handles, and around the fireplace. Do you have to soak it in the ager? Soak your item for 1 hour in a mixture of vinegar and salt. I would like to tone it down a bit before putting the house on the market for sale. have a 100 year old writing desk , handles were polished up by someone. Hard-Boiled Egg Hard boil an egg. I included a link to my pin from yesterday to today’s post. A little tube will be plenty. Thanks. You may have to dip it in again to make sure all the lacquer is removed. Use 1 tbsp. :-). Dianne, I am obsessed with your dresser redo, and couldn’t wait to see how you aged that brass! Container large enough to hold item you are aging. Some other metals look similar to brass, but will respond differently to these aging methods. If the piece is truly brass plated, then it would work on the plating, but you would still need to take the lacquer finish off first. Brush on a coat of white vinegar, let sit for two hours. Brass that was soaked with Brass Ager for 10 seconds. It might take a little longer than dipping, but once you see the color start to change, wash it of with a hose and dry. Thanking you, Riyaz Anwer copper bath tubs - Moradabad, India. My fireplace has a very shiny, builder-grade cover on it and I think I might like it if it didn’t look so shiny and cheap. I set the font to Engravers MT -size to 22 pts. Solid brass is 67% copper and 33% zinc.The natural finish of polished brass is shiny. thanks for the informational tutorial. 3. Do you think I could use the technique you just described above to age brass floor lamp? Shake off the excess vinegar and allow the brass to dry. How to remove the clear coating without damaging the gold plating? 1. 2. How to Age Brass Using Cider Vinegar. If you hold a magnet against the item and feel a pull, you know the piece is brass plated. This is a bad idea if you want to ruin antiques. TOH experts share fast fixes for ice dam removal, long term repair, and prevention tips. If you remove too much – re-dip in Brass Ager and repeat rubbing with steel wool until you get the desired amount of aging. googletag.cmd.push(function() { Sure a LOT of lacquer and hardware staring me in the face, though. Please do not dispose of the used solution down the drain. Hi Vincent – Use acetone or nail polish remover to remove the lacquer. July 23, 2013. Required fields are marked *. I tried this with two swing arm wall sconces, thinking if you could do it on a fireplace surround that you could do it on those. Also–does the brass ager work on brass plating or only solid brass? I have seen quite a few bloggers do that with success. I didn’t know they made a product for aging brass. Hope you can get it started soon. Antique Brass enables you to impart a beautiful Antique Brass finish on Steel or Iron. Getting this faux antique brass finish required some trial and error, but in the end it was totally worth it and pretty easy to achieve! Wash hardware in warm soapy water. If it is fake brass, then I am not sure it will. Malt, white wine or cider vinegar all work well. I am going to try this! Hi Mary Anne – I have never tried the brass ager on a faucet, but it is is real brass, it will work just the same. Cleaning old and antique brass can be a very frustrating endeavor, because over time, the brass oxidizes and becomes covered in tarnish. But then too, I can’t think of anything you have taught me (us) that I don’t love and want to copy. Make sure the object is brass. I traced around the rectangular part of the pull to figure out the size I would need. You should be sure you are dealing with solid brass as neither brass plated steel or zinc will antique predictably. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater. I bought the brass pulls, here. I have a link in the post under supplies – here it is: http://www.houseofantiquehardware.com/brass-darkening-aging-solution?sc=13&category=145. Add Nostalgic Charm to Your Vintage Decor With an Antique Brass Bed Set. If you are not sure if it has lacquer on it or not – dip it in some nail polish remover or acetone for a minute or two. To clean antique brass drawer pulls, remove the hardware from the item of furniture. When this metal has an antique finish, however, it appears worn with time, is darker than natural brass, and absorbs more … Sometimes, antique items are made of solid brass, but it's also common to find pieces that are plated or wrapped in a thinner layer of brass. I bought the can of acetone at Lowes. I like brass. Both brass and copper will acquire a greenish-blue patina with age and oxidation, which can make proper identification of an antique piece difficult. Work one section at a time since the transformation is almost instant. To lessen the effect use super smooth sandpaper or steel wool to remove some of it if it gets too dark. Great job and I learned something new. The next step is to make the labels for the drawer pulls. Often this is done by chemically treating the brass to darken it to a medium brown without losing the beauty of the gold undertones. Dip the item into boiling water and let it boil for a few seconds. Remove when you like the aging effect. I removed just enough of the aged color to tone the brass down a bit, but not as bright as they were before. 4. Little Bit from http://www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com. I am interested to see if it works on these items. Rich brown hues and golden undertones in a warm, welcoming appearance. I have bright brass bead caps I would like to age. Thanks! Thanks for the tip. A. Hi cousin Riyaz. Please email. But when the dust (and fiberglass) settles, you'll enjoy a fatter bank account and more comfortable indoor temps year-round. The bathroom shower doors are brass. Used your method and it darkened to perfect aged color very quickly. If you have bright polished brass in your home and want to age it without having to buy the Brass Ager, try this method. To lessen the aged effect – rub steel wool over the brass while it is still wet. This might be a good solution and I won’t have to worry about it wearing off like I would with spray paint. If you make it too light, just add more Brass Ager. The Antique Brass finish closely resembles the look of natural brass and is undeniably Victorian, with hints of Colonial Era style occasionally peeking through. Remove the clean brass with tongs and allow items to cool, then use the toothbrush and more hot water to clean out any crevices. 3. Hi Lorene – I am not 100% sure. The second method, uses water and a few household products. I’d like to know how long it might take for an un-lacquered brass object (a saxophone in my case) to tarnish. I will get back to you. It will come off right away. I would have a bucket of water ready to rinse both products off the surface quickly when you see the lacquer getting gummy and the Brass Ager when the brass achieves the color you desire. I do prefer the aged look, too. However, at Kennedy Hardware it was only $3.45 (8 oz.). Hi Valerie – Happy to see you found them, but I will put a link in the post. Hi Jan – I added the directions to the post on how to turn the brass into a greenish verdigris. Debbie :), My son recently used some of this stuff, I’ve had laying around for 15 years plus, and it worked great on copper pipes he was trying to tarnish! We have fireplace tools in polished brass that we would like to change to an antique brass finish. However, even if you want the metal in your home to look antique, it does not need to look corroded and unsightly with caked on layers of tarnish and grime. Lots of ’em…didn’t put “label’ in the search bar. I had the paint leftover from projects for my daughters and around the holidays used some of it to paint a bench. I don’t like to shiny anymore either. That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Shiny brass gets an uneven, darkened patina with a naturally vintage look. I would like to polish the church chalice but my problem is there is a thin layer of clear coating on the gold plated surface. We all like to save $$$ Happy weekend! They will naturally age and get darker from now on, since I removed the lacquer. Using my word processor, I printed out the names for each label. It works great to change the color of metal, you simply rub it on and buff with a soft cloth. I pinned yesterday’s post and will do the same with today’s post. 2. Pour the Brass Ager in a container and place the items in for only a few seconds. So if anyone’s got any ideas? Place it next to your kitchen sink so that as soon as you start to see the finish get all gummy, you can rinse it off under water. The experts at This Old House explains how to choose the best gas fireplace for your home and how much it’ll cost. I cut a piece of acetate from the top lid of a box of notecards to act as clear protective covers for each label. If you want to seal them, it can’t hurt to use a spray lacquer over them. I collect old brass, there’s something I love about it! I’m such a stalker. I don’t completely mind the brass, I just really dislike the super shiny brass. I can’t imagine dipping it into a big enough tub nor having enough ‘aging’ solution to fill the tub. Thanks so much for directing me to this page, Diane–never would have found it!! Thank you!!!! I recently found them cheaper on Amazon: Brass Label Holder Pulls. Remove any lacquer or varnish using the acetone (nail polish remover) then clean the piece. Place the egg in a small saucepan and cover it with 1 inch (2.5 … This process is used for Fabricator, Lighting fixtures, railings, hardware, gates, gift items, basically anywhere steel or iron need to be given a Antique Brass Look. Wait for a reaction. Note though that once the lacquer is off you will need to polish it more frequently to keep it shiny. Duh! Messing with the old brass patina will devalue a piece considerably. Antique brass. I favor the gold finish over silver or bronze. I have a similar question as the commenter above — would this work on brass plating? Gonna do this! They have stayed the same color. I have shiny brass door knobs and hinges all through out my house. I also have a post on how I updated shiny brass lamps using another technique. If the piece you want to age is plated with real brass then the Brass Ager will work. Thank you ever so much for the ‘how to’ lesson. Brush the paint stripper onto the fixture to loosen the lacquer. After 1 to 2 hours, wipe the stripper off the brass with a damp rag, rinsing where possible. First, gather these items: Used before the invention of electricity, candleholders made from brass were a much-needed utilitarian decorative, made both for function and beauty by master craftsmen. Some homeowners with older houses insist on keeping the original patina on all their metal hardware. A chemical reaction rapidly oxidizes unlacquered brass for a realistic finish. Did you try on faucets, shower door, etc? I will be subscribing to your blog. This is so helpful! If the item is lacquered this coating must be removed either chemically with acetone or paint stripper or mechanically with abrasives. Done right, it’s classic and timeless and I’ve always loved it and used it in my home. Watch for a paler tone, which indicates that the spot is free of lacquer. LOL! Hi Raquel – Yes, the question was answered, but I replied to Phyllis directly via email. of salt for each cup of vinegar. If your item is lacquered, you'll need to remove this coating first. On the bottle, it says to pour what you were using back into the bottle for re-use. If it is not dry after 2 hours, wait for the vinegar to dry, then proceed to Step 3. googletag.defineSlot('/107373944/InMyOwnStyle_Native', [[300, 250], [500, 250], [500, 350]], 'div-gpt-ad-1414094061888-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); Bake the item in a 450 F oven for 20 minutes. Jamie @ somuchbetterwithage.com, I LOVE these! Your new kitchen is going to look divine! 1. All rights reserved. Can you please tell us what we must do to change the polished finish to an antique brass finish? Although vintage and antique furnishings have always had a market niche, they are really hot on the scene now. 55 Comments. Wearing protective gloves and eyewear, use a foam brush to coat the exposed brass with darkener. Thank you for posting this! Antique brass candleholders go back to the 18th century, when brass was poured into a mold in the shape of elaborate candelabras and ornate brass candlesticks. … I love how it looked and wanted to add more of the color into my decor – now I have two pieces in turquoise. UGH! I let the R&B dry a bit, then buffed off a little. Any ideas? that is a nice savings. Speed time's passage by applying liquid shoe polish to a new silver- or gold-painted frame, giving it an "antique" patina. Fill the bathtub 2/3 full with warm water and add 6 … Here’s how we flooded our coastal Idea House with an abundance of natural light and fresh air. I will have to find a piece to try it on and then I will be sure. Thanks. I prefer the deep tones and dirty patination of antique brass over the yellow hues and perfect sheen of polished brass though I … Antique Brass finish . It is sold at most craft stores and online here: https://amzn.to/2I95EO3 It comes in quite a few colors. Hi Lori – Yes, it would definitely work. Wearing protective gloves and eyewear, use a foam brush to coat the exposed brass with darkener. If I follow your directions, is there a way you know of to make it a little vertigras? You are so valuable to me. Start by heating the oven to 450° and laying aluminum foil … Now that I have the desired color, should I spray with a flat toned lacquer to preserve them? I can't add 2+2 to save my life, but I can help you decorate your home in a style that you will love...YOURS! Your email address will not be published. Worth the $8.95 as it will last a long time, even after many uses. 5. I’ve just bought a jacket that has very bright poppers on it. I don’t like the look of the Ager. We are manufacturer of copper bath tubs and want to do the finish of antique brass on the outer surface; please help me to tell us the process. Far too expensive to actually replace them all. Antique brass finishes or new products that exhibit an aged brass appearance are also very different. Continue until the desired look is achieved; let polish dry. To remove discoloration, use a polish designed specifically for brass. Lovely ideas here! I know brass is on trend right now though to me it has always been desirable. How to antique polished brass 2002. Thank you, thank you for the info for darkening brass drawer pulls! Clean off any lacquer with nail polish remover or paint stripper and steel wool. Sorry for the misunderstanding, but this is probably a good time to interject this for everyone's benefit. Below, this ring on the left is factory-finished in antique brass. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. of salt for each cup of vinegar, « Before and After Furniture Makeover in Turquoise. I can find it, even on line would be ok Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. This article about collecting vintage brass items is an exclusive excerpt from the Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, which is available from KrauseBooks.com. Scrub the brass with fine steel wool to remove any remaining coating. Step 4 Apply The Darkener Photo by Lisa Shin. I have an antique walnut sideboard that someone replaced the drawer pulls with very bright, brass ones. Acetone the same kind as is in regular nail polish remover to remove the hardware from the lid... 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