Curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Achieving patina on a lacquered brass bed
Q. I am trying to achieve an antique patina look on a queen size brass bed that has a coating of lacquer. First, how do I remove the lacquer? Next, how do I get the patina. I don't want the green finish, I want the old unpolished look.
Thank you!
Jan M [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Midland, Texas
2003
Vintage Brass Beds & Parts on eBay [affil link]
A. Assuming the bed is an older one and it actually is lacquer, it is removed with lacquer thinner ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly flammable! , Jan. After that, just a little patience will dull it to that warm brown color of brass.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q. I have an antique french brass bed that I have been polishing for 35 years now and with age has come arthritis. It's just too much work to polish. I would like to change the brass to a rusty look. It would have to be a technique that didn't require dipping due to the size of the bed; nor moving it out of the bedroom (too heavy). Is there a paint available to acquire a rusty look or something as simple?
Any help you can be would be appreciated.
Jayne ChandlerHome owner - Jamesville, New York
2007
A. You don't really have to do anything to achieve that, Jayne. Just stop polishing it; it will begin to tarnish quickly and will become yellow-brown with time. You can accelerate the process if you feel you need to by spritzing with vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and salt, or some people suggest toilet bowl cleaners.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007
by Hughes & Rowe
on eBay or
AbeBooks
or Amazon
(affil links)
A. I have been doing battle with a brass bed which over the years has become almost blackened. I tried
Brasso
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links] but gave up on that.
Finally, I came up with a chemical solution :
Glacial acetic acid
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links] diluted 5 : 1 with water. It is a highly caustic, corrosive substance and ideally should be applied with
rubber gloves
⇦ this on
eBay or
Amazon [affil links] . The solution is so weak that this is really an option.
Apply with a toothbrush and rub a little. Wipe off with a clean rag pulling the rag around the vertical struts.
It really works wonders. Sample it on a hidden area to check its effectiveness before doing the whole bed.
Good luck.
Mike Jacobs
Retired - Cape Town, South Africa
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