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Best finish for bronze handrails

2003

I am exploring finishes for some bronze handrails I fabricated. My goal is to obtain a handrail with a slight patina which will look good. Can I oil the bronze to the desired color and then use a lacquer like aerosol Incralac ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] ? Will the oiling or resulting patina cause adhesion problems with the lacquer?

Also, is waxing the handrails an option? This seems like it would be easier to apply and repair when the need arises. How would these two options hold up on handrails located inside under moderate use?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

John Wolfe
- San Francisco, California, USA

We use a black patina on the bronze to get the oil rubbed bronze look. the bronze doesn't have to be polished to apply. It turns black when you rub it on. then rinse it off with water and wipe it with a scotch brite pad to get the color you want. It won't get finger prints on it any more. This is the most popular finish. Another option is to polish it.

David Jacobson
- Scotts Valley, California
2003

Ed. note: You can get brass darkening solution ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] from this link.