How to Burnish Brass

How to Burnish Brass
Written By
James McElroy
James McElroy
Published: Mar 19, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • 4 tbsp. salt
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • Container with lid
  • Sponge or cloth

You can also use this technique to give an aged look to a newer piece of brass.

  1. Mix salt and white vinegar in a container you can seal to store the mixture.

  2. Rub the mixture over the brass item with a sponge or cloth.

  3. Dry the brass piece overnight.

  4. Rinse the brass in water the next day, and let it dry.

  5. Repeat the process until you have achieved the desired patina.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

James McElroy

James McElroy began his journalism career in 2001 and his stories have appeared in newspapers around the world, including "The Columbus Dispatch" and "The Star-Ledger." He studied journalism at the E.W. Scripps Graduate School of…

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