Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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How Can I Accelerate the Oxidation of Brass and Copper?

I have a solid brass object that has begun to tarnish. I would like to accelerate this process and make the brass look as "un-shiny" or dark as possible. Is there something I can apply to achieve this? I would like to accelerate the oxidation of another copper item as well (plumbing pipe used in a fence application). What is the quickest way to accomplish this?

Thank you for any advice you can offer.

Katie Price
- Oakland, California, USA
2002

How can I change the brass colour with a simple oxidation?

Dany Yanuar
- Solo, Indonesia
2004

Liver of sulfur will darken brass and copper (as well as silver). It can be toxic; use with care.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

Sourcing:: liver of sulfur ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links]

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