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How do I tone down a brass coffee table?

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I once read an article about using common household items to tone down brass items. I have since moved and can no longer find the article and would like to try to make my brass and glass top coffee table more bronze looking to match new tables and knobs on a new entertainment center. Can anyone help me? Thank you.

Barbara Mahler
Retired - Sebring, Florida, USA
2006

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I have had a similar problem, but I have been researching how to tone down or change the appearance of a brass plated fireplace door/surround. I did lots of research on it, and finally took the plunge today and lightly sanded the outter sections of the surround and then painted them with flat black high temp stove paint ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . I am thrilled with the results! I left a little of the brass finish right around the fireplace but the rest now looks like a black wrought iron finish which is such an improvement. The shiny brass was just such an eyesore.
I've seen lots of spray paints in the stores (Krylon?) that are made just for what you are trying to do. I would try to spray paint the coffee table/fixtures with a finish you like (any craft store or even hardware store has an abundance of finishes now in spray cans ranging from black wrought iron look, to rust, to aged bronze/brass.
Good luck. Let us know if/when you make a change and how it turns out!

Vangie Unti
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA
2006

I am looking for some information on changing the look for brass to a more toned down look of bronze. I had an article on using ordinary household items to accomplish this and since we moved can no longer find the information. I have a brass table with a glass top and would like to make the base match the bronze colored knobs on some new furniture. Thanks.

Barbara Mahler
- Sebring, Florida, USA
2006

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If you don't want to paint it and cover up all the metal, you may want to look into just tarnishing it a little bit instead. There are lots of letters on how to achieve different colors or levels of tarnish, and you may want to specifically check out 37263 which talked about (I believe) giving an antique look to it.

Good luck!

Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA
2006

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adv.
Our company sells a solvent dye which will 'dye' the existing clear coat to appear as dark brown or black to achieve the appearance you want. Please contact me toll-free for more info.

Regards, Barry Feinman, CEO

Barry Feinman
BarrysRestoreItAll

Carlsbad, California

2006