adding a patina to new brass flanges.

[brandon13]

I have a couple new brass flanges and I'd like to give them a little character to somewhat match a couple of petzval lenses. I realize matching is not really possible but any advice on chemicals to add some cosmetic age would be appreciated. thanks.

[goamules]

Hi Brandon, a worthy task. I'm sure there are some harsh chemicals that will brown brass, but I can tell you that when I was in the Navy salt spray did a fine job in just a week or so! Every brass fitting on railings, etc, had to be polished after every at sea period. They would turn brown very quickly in salt air. We became very familiar with NeverDull. I would say you could spray the brass with some salty water, from a plant mister, while the flanges sit out in the sun. Let the rain, sun, and salt work on them for a couple weeks, and see if that helps. I've also been told to handle fresh bras a lot, and your fingers will patinate brass quickly. But I'd try the salt mist and sun for a while. Worse case, it looks bad and you polish it back off.

[hoffner]

I have a couple new brass flanges and I'd like to give them a little character to somewhat match a couple of petzval lenses. I realize matching is not really possible but any advice on chemicals to add some cosmetic age would be appreciated. thanks.

Put it for 3-4 days in salty water. It will partially dezincificate and you will see the result when dry.

[Pete Suttner]

Picasso would have his children pee on his sculptures...

[Andrew]

sacrifice a goat on the first full moon following the summer solstice... in the mean time just use them and after a few goat curries they'll look just fine

[Keith Fleming]

About 20 years ago in Virginia I knew a man who cast brass buckles copied from rare Civil War Confederate packs. He said he threw the newly-cast buckles in the cat's litter box for a couple of weeks, and found the results were quite like the antique originals.

Keith

[William Whitaker]

...I've also been told to handle fresh bras a lot...

Hear, hear!

[Raymond M]

Selenium toner.

[Ray Marrero]

Wow Raymond, nice! Good color too!

[Jac@stafford.net]

Exactly what color do you want the brass to become?