The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Aging/tarnishing brass

I have a 100 year old item made of heavy brass which has been inadvertently polished and had the tarnish removed. I'd like to re-tarnish it. What is the most rapid method to get the tarnish back on?

William K. [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Redwood City, California
1998

---

How do I make brass tarnish ?

Keith M. [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
1999

---

1999

Hi, William. Hello, Keith.

Please see our FAQ on Patination. I think it will help. But if you only want to darken the brass, you might simply try brass darkening solution ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . Good luck.
Regards,

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

---

I polished the brass trim on antique bakers rack and realized I don't like it shiny after all. How can I accelerate its tarnish again? Desperate.....

Thank you,

Carolyn D [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Peoria, Arizona, USA
2002

Easy Off oven cleaner ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] does a great job re-tarnishing brass. It is easy and quick!

Mary Staton Ward
- Burlington, North Carolina
2005

---

August 14, 2010

Not a response, but a related question: If Easy-Off Oven Cleaner works well to re-tarnish brass, would it work as the initial tarnishing process?

Penny Nicholson
- Princess Anne, Maryland,USA