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martin 1940D28
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Quickley tarnishing brass
Jun 10th, 2010 at 3:56pm
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   Hi Folks,  Just reworked a piece of brass on one of my pieces. It is now bright, would like to tarnish it quickly to eliminate glare. I know there are common elements that help this along, but can't recall what they are. Any chance for some help here?     Thanks in advance,     Martin 1940D28
  
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John Boy
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Re: Quickley tarnishing brass
Reply #1 - Jun 10th, 2010 at 4:58pm
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Rub it with black powder fouling
  
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trapdoor Dick
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Re: Quickley tarnishing brass
Reply #2 - Jun 10th, 2010 at 6:02pm
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Hi Martin. A long time ago an old antique dealer showed me the way he ages brass. I've been using it ever since when I want to age or add a little patina, to mostly flintlocks that I build. It simple and easy. Acquire a bottle of Birchwood Casey "Super Blue". Just put it on the brass, with a rag, "Q" tip or whatever you like and it will turn it almost black. Work it back with 4-O steel wool to what ever level you want. You can cover the entire piece, dab it in spots. Have fun with it. A word of information. BC also makes a product called "Perma Blue." Not the same stuff and for whatever reason does not work the same. If you don't like it when you're done, buff it back bright. Hope this helps.

Dick
  

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Ballard6
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Re: Quickley tarnishing brass
Reply #3 - Jun 10th, 2010 at 6:20pm
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Martin1940D    You can also put it in a container suspended above several oz.'s of household ammonia overnite to allow ammonia vapor to age it.
  
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martin 1940D28
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Re: Quickley tarnishing brass
Reply #4 - Jun 10th, 2010 at 6:32pm
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I'm trying, John Boy, Trapdoor Dick, Ballard 6,  I'm trying, but am not a computer person. John Boy, in satire I asked you what was black powder? It never got through.  I'm getting to old to try to type with more than one finger. Thanks anyway for your patience.  martin 1940D28.
  
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martin 1940D28
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Re: Quickley tarnishing brass
Reply #5 - Jun 11th, 2010 at 10:37am
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Super Blue did the trick. Thanks to all. Martin 1940D28
  
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marlinguy
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Re: Quickley tarnishing brass
Reply #6 - Jun 11th, 2010 at 4:51pm
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sulphur mixed in water and spread on the brass will turn your brass black instantly. You can also use Birchwood Casey brass black to darken it too.
  

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DoubleD
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Re: Quickley tarnishing brass
Reply #7 - Jun 12th, 2010 at 1:07am
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The cold blue that works contains selenious acid

Before:

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After with selenious acid:

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Douglas, Ret.
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