Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----
How to dull brass
December 19, 2021
Q. Hello,
I happened upon this site when I was researching how to get the shiny finish off of my solid brass hood exhaust fan. I hope that you are still available for questions as the posts that I saw were quite old. My goal is to remove the lacquer to achieve a brushed brass finish which is all the rage now. To maintain the finish, I believe that it will require a coat of lacquer. Do I need to take the hood down to remove the lacquer and then recoat it. Should the lacquer be sprayed, brushed or wiped on? I suppose I could do it in place if I masked off the area really well which will likely put my kitchen out of commission for a few days.
I welcome your input.
Thank you in advance.
Diane MorrisseyValencia, California
December 2021
A. Hi Diane.
|
This site has been online since 1989 as a permanent reference site as well as a quick help site -- so, yes, for each current posting you're likely to see hundreds of older ones. Sorry that seeing them left you with the impression that the site might not be active. Thanks for letting us know so we can see if we can reduce that implication :-) |
You may be a skilled craftsperson, but we don't know, so we'll warn you that brushed finishes require brushing which is way beyond nearly anyone's skill level. But what may be possible is to apply a tinted translucent lacquer that gives you the softer yellow satin look you may be seeking.
If the 'lacquer' on your hood is really lacquer it can be removed with acetone ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! (flammable!) or lacquer thinner ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly flammable! . But if it's an exotic clearcoat you may not be able to remove it except with very strong chemistry (like methylene chloride) that you certainly don't want to apply indoors and must think thrice about using at all.
But assuming that you do get the old lacquer off, you can then apply a new layer. You might want to talk to a lacquer specialist like G.J. Nikolas [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] to get what you seek rather than looking in retail. Lacquer can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed but the secret to having no runs or brush strokes is multiple layers of thinned lacquer. The specialists who do super expensive exotic brass chandeliers may apply as many as 7 layers of very highly thinned lacquer :-)
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
⇩ Related postings, oldest first ⇩
Q. I purchased a new cut crystal ceiling lamp with a highly polished brass rim. I want to dull the brass metal to a dark or aged tone. How do I get rid of the varnish that is on the lamp and what steps do I take to darken the metal?
Mary D [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Lacey, Washington
2002
A. Hi Mary. If the 'varnish' is brass lacquer it is removable with lacquer thinner ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly flammable! . Then it can be darkened with liver of sulfur ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] (which is somewhat noxious stuff that you want to be careful with), or just left to slowly tarnish. Best of luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2002
Q. I need to know how to dull or age new brass plated hardware.
Peter V [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]Retired - Atlanta, Texas
2003
A. Hello Peter. Brass plated hardware is trickier because the brass plating is very thin and you may wear through it, and then the item will rust. What may work on solid brass may not be appropriate for plated brass. I don't think you will successfully "age" brass plated hardware. Maybe try a Rub n Buff ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003
Q. I have a lovely new range cooker for a 'show' kitchen. However, it has horrible shiny brass knobs and handles. I was expecting stainless steel or chrome. Could anyone advise me how to 'antique' these fittings or re-paint them. Would they take car spray paint or would a caustic soda ⇦liquid caustic soda in bulk on Amazon [affil link] solution dull them and how would it be best to apply the soda? any other ideas?
Jill P [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]restoration and kitchen design - Via della Barca, Italy
2003
A. Hi Jill. Getting paint to adhere to brass is problematical, but you can try a self-etching primer followed by the paint of your choice. You could also try a wax rub ( ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] ), or brass darkening solution ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] .
A plating shop could certainly nickel or chrome plate them or you, if that remains your preference. Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003
Q. I RECENTLY PURCHASED BRASS HAND RAIL SUPPORT BRACKETS. THEY ARE A SOLID, SHINY BRIGHT BRASS AND I WANT TO DULL IT DOWN. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT I CAN USE TO DO THIS? I DO NOT WANT TO DARKEN IT TOO MUCH, JUST TAKE THE SHINY REFLECTIVE LOOK OFF.
THANK YOU.
DAVID T [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]HOME OWNER - No. ATTLEBORO, Massachusetts
2003
A. If you get the lacquer (or whatever clear coating is on them) off of them, David, they will tarnish by themselves very quickly (if they are indeed solid brass).
Readers: I'm not the "brass dulling expert"; I'm just the guy who runs the site. I try to answer if no one else does, so people's questions are not rudely ignored -- but please feel free to add your say.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003
2004
A. Note: if brass is varnished or lacquered you must remove the varnish or lacquer coating for this process to work.
1) Take a small plastic tub and fill 3/4 with common household ammonia.
2) Place pennies (copper) at the bottom of the tub, more is better. Leaving space for fittings (brass objects).
3) Place your brass fittings in the tub--not touching pennies. Cover.
4) Leave overnight--outdoors in a secure place--away from children or pets.
5) Your brass will darken from a little to a lot depending on how long you leave it in this solution.
6) Good luck.
- Nogales, Arizona
Q. I am currently like those mentioned above who are struggling with turning brass fixtures to more modern, antiqued-rustic looking fixtures. I have a huge, 3-tiered entry chandelier which I would love to look more rustic. I don't want to have to go through the trouble of having to take it down (it's 22+ feet up there!) or spending the $500+ to buy a new one...SO HELP IF YOU KNOW ANY SECRETS! THANKS!
Melissa S [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]hobbyist - Algonquin, Illinois
2004
A. Melissa, for that application you might want to try a wax rub. They are inexpensive and the brass is unlikely to get much wear up where people wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot pole :-) Rub n Buff ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links]
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004
Q. My table has a decorative brass sheet on the base. I would like to dull its finish. Is there a chemical or treatment I can apply to cause the brass to oxidize or dull quickly.
Thank you and I await your reply.
J Chuadesigner - Makati City, Manila, Philippines
2004
2004
A. J,
Brass will dull and tarnish rapidly. The reason that isn't happening is probably because there is a clear protective coating on it: lacquer (which can be removed with lacquer thinner ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly flammable! or something more durable which can probably be removed with methylene chloride based Aircraft Stripper. The methylene chloride is really nasty stuff, to be used only outside, with rubber gloves ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and goggles ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , and only after other stuff doesn't work.
But you need to be aware that everything that looks something like brass may not be brass. Some lamps and other stuff are nickel plated then coated with a brass-toned lacquer. If you remove the lacquer, you remove the brass color.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
----
Ed. note, Feb. 24, 2012: Per www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/02/24/bathtub-refinishing-deaths.html
"Methylene chloride ... has been linked to the deaths of 13 workers refinishing bathtubs in the United States...
To use products containing methylene chloride safely, work areas must be well-ventilated, and when levels of methylene chloride exceed recommended exposure limits, workers must use protective equipment ...
The finding has prompted the CDC to warn ... public health agencies, manufacturers and trade groups to 'communicate the extreme hazards' of the use of the chemical -- also known as dichloromethane -- to employers, workers and the public."
Q. Copper acid wash? I am a new homeowner. We installed copper valances in our kitchen that are too bright. Can anyone recommend a product that acid washes copper to look more like oil rubbed bronze/more aged? We are not looking for a verdigris patina, just a more aged, oil-rubbed bronze look. Thanks..
Judy K [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]designer - Truckee, California
2005
Q. We built a log home in 1993 and installed $6000 worth of shiny brass bath fixtures. I now hate the shiny finish as it is dating the house. My problem is that we purchased high quality fixtures and I cannot afford to replace them. Is there a way that I can refinish these to be dull or antiqued that will work?
thanks
hobbyist - Spencer, Indiana
2006
A. I discovered a product for darkening brass and giving it an aged look. It is simply called brass darkening solution ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] .
Victoria F [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Asheville, North Carolina
2006
Q. I am trying to finish a golden brass bowl which I will convert into a sink. I need a solution with which I can make the brass bowl into an aged brown-patina. It will also be in water. Any solutions? No one in town plates this anymore. Is there anywhere I can send it to be plated? It is not lacquered. I have been trying to leave it outside to the elements to age but it's just starting to show signs of rust. HELP! Any leads would be useful. Thanks.
Shyamala A [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]hobbyist - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
2007
A. Brass cannot rust, Shyamala -- only ferrous metals like cast iron, steel, and stainless steel can rust. So if it is rusting it is not brass; it is probably brass plating over steel. If it is brass plated steel it will be unsatisfactory as a sink anyway. Check it with a magnet (steel is magnetic, brass isn't). Good luck!
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
A. I just tried this on a shiny brass doorknob and it worked great. Spray brass with Easy Off oven cleaner ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and leave on for 24 hours. Rinse well with water. Dry and then spray and shine with WD-40 ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . A friend of mine told me about this. Hope it works for you.
Dena M [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Texas
2007
Taking the shine off a brass table
Q. I would like to take the brass finish off a coffee table and then apply some sort of patina finish. How do I remove the shine from my brass table. Thank You.
Terri Lessenger- Houston, Texas
2007
A. If it's solid brass you can try removing the lacquer with lacquer thinner ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly flammable! . It will then gradually darken by itself or you can apply brass darkening solution. If it's brass plated, you can again try to strip the lacquer and allow it to darken itself.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007
adv.
We have chemical patinas which are used to turn brass to brown to black with just a little heat from a hairdryer.
You need to first remove the protective clear coat to access the metal. Then you will want to wax or recoat the surface when done.
Barry Feinman
BarrysRestoreItAll
Carlsbad, California
2007
Q. Are there any techniques to darken plated brass that is on top of steel?
Frank Cornwalhobbyist - Wilmington, Delaware
2007
A. Many plating shops offer beautiful durable dark finishes on steel by oxidizing the copper with darkening products and then applying a clear coat. The problem as a consumer is the impossibility of us giving you any assurance that it will work well in your case, Frank. The liver of sulfur and selenium dioxide brass darkening solutions are applicable to brass whether it be cast or plated. But if the plating is thin or porous then the solution may also act on the underlying steel or nickel. The answer may be that if the item doesn't satisfy you the way it is, try darkening it, knowing that you may then decide to either throw it away or send it to a plating shop for refinishing.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007
Q. Can you tell me how to darken brass plated doorknobs? I'm willing to take the loss if I don't like it. I just wanted to darken as much as I can with household ingredients if possible.
Sean
- Pittsburgh Mills, Pennsylvania
November 23, 2008
Hi, Sean. If you have removed any lacquer or clear coat, you can put the knob in a large zip lock bag with crushed hard boiled eggs, a good source of sulfur. This hint was first proposed by our reader James Watts. Another household solution is immersion in bleach.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
December 9, 2008
Q. Hello,
I have read the previous replies regarding brass chandeliers but am still unsure about the following:
How much of the Brass Darkening solution is required for darkening the brass of a medium sized (about 14" x 20") fixture.
Please also advise how one can achieve good results with a chandelier, since it can't be dipped in the solution.
Thank you in advance,
Vivian
- Göteborg, Sweden
March 7, 2009
A. To darken brass, you must first strip any varnish on it.
Surprisingly, one of the most commonly available household chemicals you can use to darken brass is Palmolive Dishwashing liquid. Look at the label and see if it contains sodium bisulphite and other sulfur derivatives. These are very similar to the chemicals in Liver of sulfur.
Apply the dishwashing liquid with very little water to the bare brass and keep rubbing till you get the colour you want. This will take only a few minutes. When you get the colour you want, wash off the dish washing liquid.
- Avondale, Arizona
June 25, 2009
Q. I recently purchased a solid brass lantern style light fixture for my home. It has a shiny brass finish. I would like to oxidize the brass to attain an aged (almost black) appearance. I've throughly searched the web for ways to achieve this finish. There are many methods that will seemingly work. But most, if not all, are geared to oxidizing small objects, like jewelry, that can be submerged. None that I have found specifically refer to a lighting fixture that is too large to submerge. And I do not want to rewire the thing if not absolutely necessary.
I understand the first step to oxidizing brass is to make sure any lacquered finish is removed. Suggestions on this process are also welcome. The lighting fixture does have a few places with a fairly intricate design. Though I don't mind expending a bit of elbow grease, I would LOVE to avoid scraping lacquer out of these crevices with a dental pick.
I know you're thinking "why not just buy a light with the finish you want?". I've heard that one from my dear husband. My answer to that question is: I simply could not afford this light at full price. I lucked up and found it at a clearance center... I'm thinking it was a customer return. Or the retailer could not sell it because shiny brass is out of style.
Thank you! Margaret
interior decorator - Newnan, Georgia
August 23, 2009
Q. I have a 13 year old fireplace insert with shiny brass edging. While at a fireplace shop I shaw a oxidized brass sample. It looked antiqued and dark and I loved it! Can I take my existing glass doors and and put something on the brass to "oxidize" it?
Thanks,
Nancy
- Kansas City, Missouri
August 24, 2009
Okay, folks, I have read all of this and today, I will start attacking my brass hinges and kitchen knobs. (Wanted a stainless steel finish, but that color looks bad with the wood color, believe it or not. We need some sort of darker brown/bronze/black, and I'd like to save money, so transforming solid brass knobs seems like a good idea!)
Besides wiping acetone
⇦this on
eBay
or
Amazon
[affil links] Warning! highly Flammable!
on the brass object to remove the possible lacquer, I haven't seen an easier method.
I will then use the ammonia
⇦this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] bath to darken (outside, well-ventilated, wearing rubber gloves and eye protection.)
Wish me luck, give me any hints you have, and I'll post the results...even with pictures, if I can manage! :)
- Flower Mound, Texas, USA
August 23, 2010
Q. I have a bathroom full of shiny brass that would be extremely costly to replace; including a large soaking tub with brass jets, faucets, toilet handle, shower, etc. (circa 1995). Do the techniques described for dulling brass fixtures apply to these items as well?
Thanks
homeowner - West Caldwell, New Jersey, USA
September 19, 2010
A. For all those that think finding some of the mentioned chemicals is hard, fear not; your cat produces most of them every time it goes to the litter tray -- cheap and convenient
Ross Dootson- England
June 4, 2011
Q. My fireplace doors have a solid brass perimeter that is shiny and is lacquered and that we wanted to return to natural brass that would darken. I carefully brushed on acetone
⇦this on
eBay
or
Amazon
[affil links] Warning! highly Flammable!
using a plastic scrubby to remove the lacquer as best as possible in hopes the dulling, darker tone of the brass would begin to appear. In order to remove the residue left by the acetone, I did rub Nevr-Dull polish on the brass to clean the brass. It has been 3 weeks and although the high shine is reduced, the tone of the brass is the same. Any next steps that I can take in order to get these doors to a more antique or natural finish that will oxidize would be welcomed.
Thank you
- Springfield, Pennsylvania, USA
June 10, 2012
A. Years ago I found an article on how to age new brass and tried it and it worked great! From a sporting goods place, buy some Birchwood Casey instant cold Blueing for guns and rub it on the brass well. The more you use and rub, the darker the brass gets. Then neutralize the chemical with water. I used it on a new brass framed rifle and it looks a hundred years old!!
Jesse fox- cody wyoming usa
August 11, 2012
Q. Hi. Just wondering, after dulling my brass, do I re-lacquer to reinstate the protection that was removed in step one during this process? If I don't, will it not tarnish and turn colors? thank you
karen gionet- santa monica California usa
June 8, 2014
A. Hi Karen. Yes, brass tarnishes if not lacquered.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June 2014
Want "restock look" on zinc desk grommet
Q. I have a desk grommet that's made of zinc, with a polish brass finish.
How do I give it a restock look?
- Claremont, California, USA
August 11, 2014
Sorry, Sarah, I have no idea what a "restock look" is. Can you point us to some illustration?
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 2014
Q. Has anyone had experience darkening a brass stairway railing? We are buying an old house with a grand staircase and the top of the railing is brass. I've considered the brass darkening solution but I'm not sure if it will work for that. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
Lindsay Butrum- Springville, Utah USA
June 23, 2016
A. Hi Lindsay. If it's remaining bright, rather than tarnishing, there is some sort of lacquer or clear coat on it which must be removed before you can darken it. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. I bought a couple of kitchen fixtures, a faucet from Kingston Brass and a pot filler from Signature Hardware. I've called both companies and they said the products are solid brass. I left the handles of both items in acetone
⇦this on
eBay
or
Amazon
[affil links] Warning! highly Flammable!
for a bit to see if they were lacquered but they are not. I then submerged the whole items in a tub of apple cider vinegar
⇦in bulk on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links] for a couple hours but it did not tarnish, no change at all. I'm thinking that there is something in the metal that is keeping it shiny maybe?
Thanks in advance for any help.
- Gibsons, BC, Canada
March 31, 2017
A. Hi Ian. I seriously doubt that bare brass can resist tarnishing. My suspicion is that these parts have a higher technology clear coating, not lacquer, and acetone doesn't remove it. Try sanding an inconspicuous spot and tarnishing that. If that works, you can consider trying to strip the components with aircraft remover -- a really toxic chemical that requires goggles and gloves and working outside, and upwind. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
March 2017
A. Hi Ian
I think you might find a answer to darken your brass in a book called "Henley's twentieth century formulas" page 129. I have seen this book as a download on the net.
Good luck,
- Alberton South Africa
April 2, 2017
A. I have encountered solid brass hardware that had a color PVD coating over a heavy bright nickel over a heavy copper plate. The items were solid brass under it all but it would take a lot of sanding to get to the brass.
Neil BellRed Sky Plating
Albuquerque, New Mexico
April 5, 2017
A. I do this (dull the brass) all the time to soften the look of high shine brass plating which has any kind of clear coat. You can trust. Purchase Modern Masters Antique gold paint. Do not mess with the existing clear coat at all. Paint the item with the Modern Masters Antique gold. Let dry and love it.
Mick RiccioDynamick Bridge - Palm Sprints California
August 19, 2017
Q. I have a new painted bathroom vanity with a brass frame and inset brass pulls that are much shinier than I expected. I would like to darken them or matte them at the very least. I am reluctant to use acetone near the vanity top. How can I safely remove the lacquer from the brass and then age/matte it without exposing the vanity or the painted drawers to chemicals that could damage them?
Shari Washburn- Berkeley, California, USA
June 8, 2018
A. Hi Shari. The brass pulls are removable so they should not be an issue, but unless this is high-end furniture they are unlikely to be solid brass and thus may react poorly to aging treatments. It's hard to picture the "brass frame" and how that affects the vanity top. But Mick's advice of painting rather than stripping the clearcoat may be applicable.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June 2018
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