New and shiny metal items can be made to look 'antique' or old fashioned to give them a vintage look and are well-liked and collectible. The attractive-looking patina-a thin, greenish or gray layer of color, on some metals due to corrosion-can be created by a process known as oxidizing or corroding by a chemical reaction.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Metallic Items Look Antique with Oxidizing Chemicals
Step 1. Choose an oxidizing chemical that is manufactured for certain types of metal (silver brass, etc.) that you are going to make an antique look
Most oxidizing agents sold in stores contain muriatic acid or hydrochloric acid (muriatic/hydrochloric acid) as the main destroying (corrosion-causing) agent.
Step 2. Prepare the work area
You need to work outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, as fumes from oxidizing chemicals can be toxic.
Step 3. Cover exposed surfaces, including floors and tables, with a thick protective plastic sheet
Wear thick rubber gloves and protective eyewear.
Step 4. Place a gallon of water and a little baking soda or ammonia, in close proximity, in case it is needed to quickly neutralize the spilled acid
Step 5. Move other metal items-that won't be antiqued-to a different room, as the steam generated from the process can oxidize or damage them
Step 6. Melt the oxidizing chemical
Use a container made of glass (not metal, plastic, or wood) to make the mixture. For starters, mix 1 part oxidizing agent and 20 parts water, and then gradually increase the solution as needed.
Step 7. Soak the metal item by carefully dipping it into the oxidizing solution
Leave the metal item in the solution until it reaches the level of darkness or black you want. It usually takes from a few seconds to 1 or 2 minutes.
You can also apply the solution to metallic items with the help of a brush or rag to control staining
Step 8. Remove the metal from the oxidizing solution
Then coat the metal with baking soda or ammonia to neutralize the acid and stop the oxidation process.
Step 9. Rinse the metal item with clean water and dry it using a clean bath towel
Step 10. Restore the shine to the selected piece of metal by rubbing it with fine steel wool
The goal is to give a contrasting appearance and really look old / ancient.
Alternatively, you can overturn small metal items in a rotatable glass/tube with a steel lid. This will brighten and make certain parts of the metal item shine
Method 2 of 3: Making Metallic Items Look Antique with Sulfur
Step 1. Prepare your workplace
Cover the workbench with a thick sheet of plastic, and wear protective rubber gloves and goggles.
Step 2. Prepare sulfur/alum
Heat 1 to 2 cups (237 to 474 milliliters) of water to a boiling point and then pour it into a heatproof glass bowl or disposable container. Then, add a lump of alum-about the size of a pea-and mix.
Sulfur / sulfur or also known as alum / potassium sulfate (potassium sulfide) can be found in various forms, including liquid, gel and solid
Step 3. Coat the metal with a basecoat for the vintage process
Create a texture or "tooth-like structure" on the surface of the item that you want to look antique, by scrubbing it with sandpaper that has a grit level of 9 and 15.
Step 4. Clean metal items with pumice paste and water, then rinse
Step 5. Apply the alum mixture with the help of a soft brush whose size corresponds to the area of \u200b\u200bthe metal item you want to work on
You can also add whole metal items to the mix until the color you want is achieved.
Step 6. Rinse the metal with cold water to stop the oxidation process
Step 7. Finish the process-making the object look antique-by brushing the metal with a soft brush and dish soap to even out the finish
Use a cloth to polish, if you want to shine more on certain areas that have oxidized.
Method 3 of 3: Make Metallic Items Look Antique with Hard Boiled Eggs
Step 1. Place 1 to 6 eggs (depending on the amount of metal to be processed) in a pot of water and bring to a boil
Turn off the heat and let the eggs sit in the hot water for about 10 minutes.
Step 2. Peel the egg shells as soon as possible and do it carefully
Step 3. While still hot, cut the egg into quarters, then place it in a clean container (made of glass or plastic) along with the metal item to be antiqued
Try not to let the eggs come into direct contact with metal objects, then close the container.
Egg yolks produce sulfur which will oxidize metals
Step 4. Monitor the oxidation process without opening the container, initially every 5 to 10 minutes
Next, let the metal item sit in the egg-filled container at room temperature (±20–25°C) for one to two hours or a full night, if placed in the refrigerator, until the desired coloring is achieved.
Step 5. Remove the metal item from the container and remove the egg pieces
Leave the metal item out in the open to remove the sulfur smell emanating from the eggs.
Step 6. Rub a rag or steel fiber to lighten certain areas of the oxidized metal, to create a natural aged/old-fashioned look
Tips
- To maintain the antique look for longer, spray the metal with an odorless latex coating (available at art supply stores), hairspray or a transparent powder coat.
- When using sulfur/alum to oxidize metal objects, be aware that the colder the solution the longer the process will take, and may turn brown, gold, blue or purple, depending on the temperature.
- The oxidation process can take place very quickly and is different for each different type of metal item. Therefore, observe the oxidation process closely to maximize control over the process of making metal objects into antiques.
- Perform a test of each oxidizing process on a small area or hidden part of the metalwork to determine its effect and adjust the application of the process, the chosen oxidizing agent and also the ratio of the amount of dissolved materials.
Warning
- Always add muriatic acid/hydrochloric acid to the water and do not use any other method when dissolving. This is to avoid sparks and the potential for fire.
- When oxidizing metals with oxidizing chemicals, follow the instructions included and take safe precautions to avoid the effects of toxic vapors or contact with skin.
