Darkening brass ???

[Kevin]

Every month we have bulk trash in our neighborhood. Last month, well, last week, someone threw out a box of brass drawer pulls. They seem to be solid brass, and are actually pretty nice.

They are just too shiny. And I see Birchwood Casey sells “Brass Black”.

Has anyone used this product? I don’t know where it’s sold locally and don’t want to order any of it doesn’t work.

Ultimately my biggest question is, what’s the easiest way to darken brass? Using this Birchwood Casey product or something else?

 

[eveled]

First thing to do is to see if they are coated in anything. Like a clear coat.

If they aren’t coated they will darken on their own.

 

[hittman]

Krylon spray paint?

 

[NikA]

I agree on checking/stripping off any coating as a first step. I'm not sure about that product, but I've used other products in the BC lineup and they pretty well work exactly as advertised given surface prep following the instructions.

I bet there are plenty of home recipes for darkening brass as well. If it were mine, I might try heating it until dull red and dipping it in heavy oil, then polishing the result.

 

[Kevin]

Krylon spray paint?

I thought about that but don’t want them to scratch.

If I can dye them chemically, the “dark” shouldn’t scratch off, right?

 

[Kevin]

If it were mine, I might try heating it until dull red and dipping it in heavy oil, then polishing the result.

What would this end up as? Darker?

How would I heat them up? Would a fire work ok?

 

[hittman]

Beats me. LOL.
I’d rough them up with a scotch brite pad, shoot a gray primer on them and a coat of paint.

 

[Danjet500]

After a quick search.

https://inmyownstyle.com/how-to-age-brass-in-less-than-5-minutes.html
Amazon product ASIN B005TRO276

 

[Kevin]

Danjet500:
Thanks, that’s a nice article on the steps for aging and darkening brass. I looked before posting this question but didn’t see that article.

 

[the_leper_colony]

... what’s the easiest way to darken brass? Using this Birchwood Casey product or something else?

FWIW, I was looking at darkening some brass several years ago, and found some info online that suggested soaking the brass in Palmolive liquid dish detergent. I gave it a try, and it did darken the brass, but not as much as I wanted; I suspect that the amount of darkening may depend on the specific composition of the brass and other factors. You might do an internet search and see what you think; the cost is low, and any Palmolive you don't use on the brass can be used for washing dishes, or whatever!

 

[NikA]

What would this end up as? Darker?

How would I heat them up? Would a fire work ok?

Fire would work, I would use a propane torch with a high heat nozzle but I have that readily available. You need more heat than would be available from any home appliance other than maybe a gas cooktop.

 

[arfmel]

You might try soaking the hardware in acetone in a sealed glass jar to see if that removes the coating. After the coating is removed brass will slowly darken and develop a patina without any effort on your part.

 

[eveled]

I think I’d hit it with a torch, to see if any coating burns off. The burnt coating may even give it the look you want.

Obviously be safe, do it outside. Don’t breath the fumes.

 

[Mobuck]

pickle juice??

 

[Hvymax]

What would this end up as? Darker?

How would I heat them up? Would a fire work ok?

Torch??? Butane, Propane, Mapp gas, Acetylene with or without added oxygen etc.

 

[antique41]

First make sure it doesn’t have a protective coating(usually lacquer). I use gun blue.

 

[Kevin]

Wow! These are all great ideas. I bet it is coated. My daughter has a collection of brass animals, and they get darker in just a few days after I clean them.

These are nice and shiny.

I like the idea of the torch. It’s a good excuse to go buy one.

Thank you everyone!

 

[DeletedMember275]

I've used the BC Brass Black, and that's exactly what it does - it turns brass parts black. I would probably give those a coat of citrus paint stripper gel first, to remove any lacquer or clear coat. Rinse, and then apply brass black once they're dry.

 

[eveled]

If you are buying a torch. I recommend a Bernzomatic self lighting torch head and a can of map gas.

Comes in handy alot. Even for lighting a camp fire.

Amazon product ASIN B00008ZA09

 

[NikA]

+1 on that torch. I have the TS8000, believe I bought the kit from HD or Lowes on sale for 50$. With the mixing nozzle on the 8000, propane burns almost as hot as MAPP gas, easily hot enough to heat treat small pieces of steel. Use mine every day to light the woodstove.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

You might try Black Powder. It does one hell of a good job on brass Henry and 1866 receivers

 

[edlmann]

If I can dye them chemically, the “dark” shouldn’t scratch off, right?

Don't think this is right. The chemical "blackening" is surface only.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

I've used Jax brass darkener on my various projects for decades, with very satisfying results. But, plain old cold blue solution works nearly as well. Get your desired level of finish, then apply a lacquer clear coat to hold it.