If you want to make brass look antique, wash the item with soap and water, or use nail polish to remove any lacquer. For a subtle antique look, use a paintbrush to coat the piece with a mixture of equal parts salt and water. Reapply the saltwater daily until you get the result you desire.
When brass returned to the forefront of the design world, it was clear that it was not a finish that would go out of style. So, whether you want to update your current hardware or work brass accents into your home, beautiful brass is here to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions. How long does it take for unlacquered brass to patina? As you can see in the photos in this post, it takes around a year to really start to see the patina. In fact, two years is probably when it was darkest.
Antique Brass: Brass continues to dominate due to its warmth and vintage appeal. In 2024, antique brass with a matte sheen will be popular, pairing well with modern and traditional interiors. Brushed Nickel: Known for its subtle shine, brushed nickel adds a neutral yet contemporary look.
Antique brass or aged brass is more of a statement finish than polished brass. This beautiful finish is treated to appear aged and typically has a rich brown town with slightly golden undertones. With a warm finish, it doesn't shine or reflect anywhere near as much as polished brass.
Mix equal parts of olive oil and vinegar for a gentle cleaning and polishing solution. Apply with a soft cloth for a polished, shiny finish.
Use coffee grounds
'My best tip is to place brass pieces in a container filled with damp coffee grounds for a few days,' says Curran.
Antique Brass is a rich, warm shade of brown with subtle golden undertones, reminiscent of the aged, weathered finish found on vintage metalwork. This unique color often graces items like ornate picture frames, classic door handles, and elegant light fixtures.
To make your new, shiny metal appear old, you can antique it with paint. You can also tarnish it using corrosive materials, such as acid cleaner, vinegar, and salt. It may seem like a big project, but all you need is some ordinary household products to make a metal object age several years in just a few hours or so.
in short, Polished brass turns black over time due to tarnishing, which is caused by reactions with oxygen, sulfur, moisture, and handling contaminants in the environment.
You'll need two chemicals - white vinegar and brass blackener. I used to recommend muriatic acid but it can be dangerous, so now I just use white vinegar and it seems to work just as well. The product I've been using for the past couple of years is called Jax Pewter Black and it seems to work very well.
You can also use vinegar and salt to get that old darkened brass look. We like the technique described by Caro Davies, a UK-based social media expert who used to be an art director. Caro recommends mixing a pinch of salt into a container that has a lid with vinegar until the salt dissolves.
For those dreaming of a timeless kitchen, queue polished brass. In your metallic fixtures, the right finish affects the overall feel of your space, and polished brass catches the light with an understated elegance that will never go out of style.
Rather, brass decor is having more of a resurgence — meaning now's as good a time as ever to learn how to decorate with it in your space. It's true: Experts are seeing the material make a comeback, and in myriad ways.
Faux-brick paneling may be a great shiplap alternative for you. It is better for renters as it is easy to install (just peel and stick) and easy to take down without damaging the wall underneath. Faux-brick paneling can be an easy DIY, saving you the costs of installation.
Like gold, brass has a distinctly timeless feel. It can give even the oldest bathroom an antiqued classic look.
Mix 16 ounces hydrogen peroxide, 2 ounces of white vinegar, and 1/2 tablespoon salt. Brush the liquid on the dry metal. Wait for a reaction. When you like the look, rinse the brass with water.
Using natural cleaning agents, such as lemon juice and baking soda will keep the brass pieces shimmering casually without disrupting the patina. You can also use vinegar mixed with salt to create a gentle but effective cleaning solution.