STEP 1: Soak the hardware overnight in lacquer thinner to remove any protective coating. Raw brass and copper doesn’t need to be soaked. Blot the hardware dry with a clean rag. If you want to make designs on the item, tape off the area or use stickers or a hot glue gun. The areas taped will stay shiny.

STEP 2: Dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in 1 cup of vinegar and pour into a spray bottle. The more salt you use, the more pitted and aged the item will look. Spray the vinegar salt mixture on the metal. For more age, you can sprinkle baking soda on the item as well. This will create a blue/green patina. Pour ¹⁄₂ ” of household ammonia into the bottom of a plastic tub.

NOTE: If you simply want an aged brass look with no patina, do  not use the ammonia. I will show you the difference on the TV show segment.

STEP 3: Place the hardware on the tray. Don’t let the hardware touch the ammonia. Put the tray in the bottom of the plastic tub and cover it with the lid. If you want to hang the hardware so it ages evenly, you will need to drill a hole in the lid and hang it with wire.  Let the items sit in the tray with the lid on for a few hours or over night. Check the tub every hour so you can get the desired effect you want. The longer you leave it in, the more aged it will become.

STEP 4: Remove the hardware from the plastic tray, rinse it quickly with hot water and let it dry. Take off any surface powder with a damp sponge, blotting the surface, not wiping! Remove the tape, glue or stickers.

STEP 5: For a brown patina, take hydrogen peroxide and paint it on the area. To add a metallic multi color finish, you can use JACQUARD metallic pigment powders. Dip a stiff brush in LIQUITEX MATTE VARNISH and then dip the brush into the powder. Stipple the powder into the metal in small circular motions. You will want to use at least two colors.

STEP 6: This patina process is FAUX so if you want to wear the item or handle it, you will need to spray on two coats of clear lacquer, nail polish or matte varnish.

TIP: If you make a mistake, simply submerge the metal item into pure vinegar, scrub with a sponge and start over!

HEALTH HAZARD INFO: Ammonia is strong! Try to do this outside or in a well ventilated area. NEVER EVER USE BLEACH AND AMMONIA TOGETHER AS IT CAN KILL YOU! YES, SERIOUS!

Happy crafting and thanks for watching! Remember, we are always buying vintage costume jewelry so stop by if you have some you want to sell.

Warm regards,

Malena and Bruce Chipps