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Antiquing Metal

Good Day!

I make (among other things) stained glass lamps and would like to know if there is a way of antiquing some of the metal parts used for building a lamp, such as the harp. I purchase my hardware at places like Home Depot; I don't know what kind of metal these are made with, but the only ones available are a nasty fake gold colour. I am trying to get the look of antique bronze, either using chemicals or heat. I need the finish to be very durable so I don't want to use paint. I have a kiln which fires up to about

2000F.

I tried an experiment: I heated a "fake gold" rod to 550F; it turned an interesting glossy burnt orange colour, but not what I was looking for. Any advice or book recommendations on colouring metals would also be appreciated.

Cheers, Suzan

Reply to
Suzan
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Suzan squeezed out:

Suzan. I once took a "patina" recipe from the famed "Machinery's Hand Book" The discussion of coatings starts in my edition on page 1256. I was trying to match a brass clock hand I'd made and was able with the help of my wifes (teacher) lab at school to get the results I was after.

I used a solution of three ounces copper sulfate and six ounces of sodium thiosulfate dissolved in warm water and added then agitated the piece within the solution. This produced a wonderful (and matching) antique look to the brass.

I must say that some of the coating recipes in the handbook are a tad on the exotic side for the casual home job. Observing a safe handling and awareness of the chemicals involved is of course a must in situations like this.

Cheers! Ian.

Reply to
Ian Timshel

I can think of two.

"The Complete Metalsmith " by Tim McCreight < has methods and chemical mixes. This is a good book - I bought it at Borders. ISBN 0-87192-240-1 ~USD $ 15.00

"Color on Metal" 50 Artists Share Insights and techniques - Tim McCreight & Nicole Bsullak ISBN 1-893164-06-3 ~USD $ 30.00 Beautiful pictures more a picture book - shows what can be done. A nice look at...

Buy the first one, look at the second - or buy both. Martin

Reply to
Eastburn

the wife put a bag of Miracle Grow Plant food on the window sill in the back yard right over the copper/brass faucet and copper tubing.. the rain came and washed some of the plant food down onto the pipe and faucet.... next couple of day??? it was green/blue(nice old copper patina on it... might give it a try to see what you get... hope this helps....

Reply to
jim

Reply to
Bob

The stained glass suppliers sell a chemical for making the patina. It was pretty messy last time I saw it in use in a 300 gallon dip tank. Get a copy of complete metalsmith, you won't be disappointed.

Reply to
Beecrofter

check out

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Reply to
eric&nady

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