How to: Faux Antique Brass Finish
Brass-finished home décor such as lighting, candlesticks or even a brass bed can provide a modern or traditional look. You can change the look easily. If you are looking to give a brass piece the rich patina and warmth of an antique finish, there is a simple way using common household products.
Softening the Lacquer Finish
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Lay out newspaper to protect the surface your are working on. Nail polish remover (acetone) removes many type finishes.
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Dampen -- do not soak -- the lint-free cloth in the nail polish remover.
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Rub the brass piece with the dampened cloth. (ref 1)
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Make sure to cover the entire area, including any crevices.
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Dampen and rub until the lacquer is dissolved.
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Use new cloths as the others get dirty.
Removing the Lacquer Finish
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Fill one bowl with hot water.
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Dampen another clean, lint-free cloth in the hot water. Again, do not soak the cloth, just dampen.
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Wipe down the brass piece, removing the softened lacquer.
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Use new cloths as the others get dirty.
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Allow the piece to air dry completely.
Creating the Faux Antique Finish
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Fill the second bowl with enough vinegar to cover the piece.
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Make sure the piece is dry.
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Saturate the paint brush with the vinegar.
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Brush the entire piece, making sure to get in crevices.
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Watch as the vinegar reacts with the brass, oxidizing into a faux antiqued look.
Things You Will Need
- Newspaper
- Nail polish remover (enough to cover the whole piece)
- Lint-free cloths or towels
- 2 bowls
- Hot water
- Vinegar (enough to cover the whole piece)
- Paint brush
Tip
- You may buff the piece dry after removing the lacquer; however air drying is the preferred method.
Warning
- Do not rub the vinegar in with a cloth. Brushing the vinegar over the piece allows the oxidation to occur on the wet surface.