posted on March 2, 2001 01:33:50 AM new
I finally gave up on finding an old burner for my oil lamp and am planning on buying a new brass one. I would like it to look old -to match the lamp. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to do this? There was a thread, many months ago, on how to make brass look old. It involved removing the lacquer finish and placing it in a container with something, but for the life of me, I can't remember what. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
posted on March 2, 2001 03:04:08 AM new
You could use a patina. To find out what that is use GOOGLE the search engine and do a search for "patina for brass". The very first one on the list will tell you all about it. I use patina's in leaded glass work to turn the lead came into a brass,copper or flat black color.
posted on March 2, 2001 04:33:36 AM new
Your answer. It must be suspended in a closed container of ammonia. The fumes will darken it. You can use a string to hold it over the ammonia and then use a lid to cover it completely.
posted on March 2, 2001 05:11:45 AM new
Remove any finish with alcohol, shellac remover, etc ... then put it in a jar and pour a dilute solution of ammonia (Parson's Sudsy Ammonia works) over it and leave it until you like the looks.
posted on March 2, 2001 04:23:08 PM new
Blondesense: this may gross you out: Some expert one time told me that, when the Chinese years ago were making new brass items for export, they often buried them just under a little soil in the yard or such and encouraged people (probably mostly men!) to pee on the ground above the brass.
Now that I've read this thread, I understand that it is the ammonia in urine that would do the job.
Now. . . how do I erase that picture in my mind????!!LOL --Adele
