Wondering how to darken brass? This quick video shows the process start to finish using Brassager (Brass Ager) darkening solution — a ready-to-use formula for aging brass, copper, and bronze to an authentic antique patina.
Brass Ager How To Video
Tips for darkening brass:
- Start with bare metal — no lacquer, plating, or clear coating. Remove any existing coating with acetone, paint stripper, or nail polish remover.
- Rinse the piece with water once the coating is gone.
- Apply the darkening solution — brush it on for larger pieces, or submerge smaller items fully.
- Check the color as it develops. The longer it sits, the darker the finish.
- Rinse with water once you’ve reached the shade you want.
One thing to keep in mind throughout: avoid touching the piece with oily fingers from start to finish — oil interferes with an even finish.
Brass Ager works on brass, copper, and bronze. It won’t react with lacquered, brass-plated, or nickel-plated surfaces — the metal needs to be fully bare for the solution to take.
More how-to videos are on the way. In the meantime, if you’re ready to try it yourself, order Brass Ager here.