How to Brass Patina on Steel
Patinas are created by coating metals such as brass or steel in chemicals to promote aging and oxidation. They give metals a worn and aged look without waiting for the years it may take with exposure to natural elements. In addition, you can control the color of patina created on the surface of your metal with the type of chemicals you apply. This formula creates the same brown patina on brass, copper, bronze and steel.
- Wire brush or steel wool
- 1 tsp. ferric chloride
- 1/2 tsp. ferric nitrate
- 1 pint distilled water
- Bowl
- Stir stick
- Sponge
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Instructions
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1
Clean and slightly sand the surface of the steel with a wire brush or steel wool.
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2
Mix the ferric chloride, ferric nitrate and distilled water in a bowl. Stir until dissolved.
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3
Dip a sponge in the mixture and apply an even coating of the solution to the steel.
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4
Let the solution dry. The metal will have begun to turn a light-brown color.
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5
Rinse with cool water and wipe again with the wire brush or steel wool. Allow to dry and repeat until the desired color of patina has been achieved.