How Do You Give Brass An Antique Finish?
Many people prefer the look of antique brass to the brightly polished surface typical of new brass pieces. However, there’s no need to wait for the change to occur on its own–the natural corrosive process that produces the darker look of old brass can take years. With a few simple supplies, new brass can be given an antique patina in about an hour. The process is straightforward and safe, as long as common-sense safety precautions are observed. Clean the brass part. Use acetone (available at any hardware store) to remove any dirt or corrosion. If there is stubborn corrosion, use a mild abrasive; very fine sandpaper works, as does toothpaste. Heat the brass in an open flame. Grasping the part with your pliers, hold it in a flame (the flame from a gas stove works well for this) until it glows orange. The fire will burn away any impurities on the brass, which may create spots when the chemical solution reacts with the metal. Submerge the brass in brass-darkening or brass patina solution,
