How to Darken Zinc Plating

Purchase a brass ager or metal darkening solution. While these solutions are formulated specifically for darkening brass, they also work on zinc.

Clean the zinc item you wish to darken with warm water and mild soap. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a soft towel.

Pour the metal darkening solution into a bowl if the zinc piece you wish to darken is small. Otherwise, for large items, soak a clean cloth with the solution.

Soak the zinc item in the solution or use the soaked cloth to rub the solution over the surface.

Let the darkening solution work for several minutes. Watch the piece as it darkens. When it reaches the shade you desire, remove it from the solution and rinse it with water so that it does get any darker.