How to 'age' brass' ? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

PWH · 4th Dec 2005, 5:30 pm

I am restoring a Burndept Ethophone which has a fancy brass escutchion.
My one was covered in enamel paint and now I have removed the paint, I have a shiny brass escutchion. I want to return it to something like the original finish. which was an antiqued patina. Any ideas what to use?

To see an example of what it should look like, have a look at the photo in the parts wanted section under Burndept Ethophone.

Thanks

Colin · 4th Dec 2005, 6:21 pm

Hi Peter,

I've had some very good results in the past with a product called 'Tourmaline'. It's made by Liberon.

Try here -

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.a...39VPWS3B5QZCR6

HTH
Colin

Norm_Leal · 4th Dec 2005, 10:01 pm

Hi

Fumes from ammonia will tarnish brass.

Norm

Alan_Douglas · 7th Dec 2005, 6:35 pm

The traditional method is "liver of sulfur" (impure potassium sulfide). Dissolve a pea-sized chunk of the stuff in hot water, which releases hydrogen sulfide, and immerse the brass for a few seconds or longer, depending on the concentration and the desired darkness.

Here in the States, a company called Birchwood Casey in (I think) Minnesota sells "Brass Black" which achieves the same result by plating out a thin layer of arsenic on the surface. The elixir previously mentioned may do the same.

PWH · 7th Dec 2005, 6:49 pm

Thanks for the info gents. I'll try them out.

The last suggestion sounds very smelly!!

4th Dec 2005, 5:30 pm	#1
PWH Heptode Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Waiheke Island, New Zealand Posts: 503	How to 'age' brass' ? I am restoring a Burndept Ethophone which has a fancy brass escutchion. My one was covered in enamel paint and now I have removed the paint, I have a shiny brass escutchion. I want to return it to something like the original finish. which was an antiqued patina. Any ideas what to use? To see an example of what it should look like, have a look at the photo in the parts wanted section under Burndept Ethophone. Thanks

4th Dec 2005, 6:21 pm	#2
Colin Heptode Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ilkley, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 656	Re: How to 'age' brass' ? Hi Peter, I've had some very good results in the past with a product called 'Tourmaline'. It's made by Liberon. Try here - http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.a...39VPWS3B5QZCR6 HTH Colin Last edited by Colin; 4th Dec 2005 at 6:24 pm.

4th Dec 2005, 10:01 pm	#3
Norm_Leal Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Livermore, California, USA. Posts: 139	Re: How to 'age' brass' ? Hi Fumes from ammonia will tarnish brass. Norm

7th Dec 2005, 6:35 pm	#4
Alan_Douglas Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts Posts: 59	Re: How to 'age' brass' ? The traditional method is "liver of sulfur" (impure potassium sulfide). Dissolve a pea-sized chunk of the stuff in hot water, which releases hydrogen sulfide, and immerse the brass for a few seconds or longer, depending on the concentration and the desired darkness. Here in the States, a company called Birchwood Casey in (I think) Minnesota sells "Brass Black" which achieves the same result by plating out a thin layer of arsenic on the surface. The elixir previously mentioned may do the same.

7th Dec 2005, 6:49 pm	#5
PWH Heptode Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Waiheke Island, New Zealand Posts: 503	Re: How to 'age' brass' ? Thanks for the info gents. I'll try them out. The last suggestion sounds very smelly!!