Patinated Bronze

[JohnD]

I got an old brass handle set which was very dirty and tarnished.

After polishing it up I find it is not pale yellow but darker and redder. I think it is bronze and know this was the material used many years ago before the makers changed to brass.

Is there a way of giving it the dark sheen of an old penny or a bronze statue, without leaving it in my pocket for 40 years?

 

[Deluks]

You could try soaking it in coke (the drink)

 

[Jasonb]

Coke will leave it clean & bright.

Use an antiquing solution such as this you will also need the precleaner which axminster also sell.

Jason

 

[JohnD]

thanks!

It's some kind of chemical treatment I suppose.

 

[Jasonb]

Not sure of the exact contents but Ammonia can be used to tone down bright new brass. so its something along those lines

J

 

[ChrisR]

Put it in the oven with the Sunday roast

 

[JohnD]

serious

 

[Deluks]

Sorry, for some reason I was thinking of new pennies

 

[JohnD]

Put it in the oven with the Sunday roast

I did that (but no roast) and it has darkened quite nicely.

The dark film looks somehow "thin" allowing the polished surface to shine through, but I will fit it and see how I like it in a few weeks.

Bit of polished brass included in the pic for contrast.

 

[JohnD]

After getting the handle set to a nice dark "old penny" colour in the oven last time, my Domestic Staff has been polishing it with Duraglit

I put it in the oven again but it didn't darken this time. I tried it once in an empty oven and again with a beef roast in case the fat smoke would help. It just looks slightly tarnished. Any more suggs?

 

[TicklyT]

I'd guess the Duraglit contains some protective wax or oils to preserve the finish it gives.

There's some useful information in the application guidelines here:-
http://www.jpennyltd.co.uk/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=50&=SID
And maybe some useful products.

 

[joe-90]

without leaving it in my pocket for 40 years?

If you walk around like that everyone will think you've got a big knob (in your pocket).

 

[Thermo]

why are you trying to get a bronze effect finish on mr blobby anyway?