Brass Antiquing Methods

All materials used below should be kept separate from your food/cooking supplies.

Always start with brass that has been cleaned thoroughly. Any oils, residue from manufacturing or fingerprints, will show after being antiqued. Use soap and water and hold pieces by the edges.

These are guidelines for antiquing brass. We encourage you to experiment with length of time in the fumes or oven, oven temperature, soaking time, etc.

Ammonia Fumes

In a WELL VENTILATED area, preferably outside:

Step 1

Place brass in clear container that has an airtight lid (i.e. tupperware container).

Step 3

Put the lid on the container and let sit for a few hours. You will be able to see the brass darken and the longer it sits, the darker it gets.

Step 2

Pour ammonia in a small bowl and place bowl in the container, not letting the brass touch the ammonia.

Step 4

Polish with polishing cloth, 000 steel wool or polishing pad.

Vinegar & Salt

Step 1

Mix ½ cup vinegar and 3 teaspoons salt in a non-metallic bowl large enough for the brass.

Step 3

Place brass pieces on baking sheet and bake for 1 hour or more at 450 depending on how dark you would like them.

Step 2

Soak brass for 1 hour in mixture.

Step 4

Polish with polishing cloth, 000 steel wool or polishing pad.