How would I tarnish brass?

[Ferahgo]

How would I get brass nice and tarnished? And how can I tell if it is actual brass and not just coated steel?

 

[EyeDog]

Let it sit around for a couple of months. If it's brass it'll get a nice patina on it.

 

[mete]

A magnet will tell you if it's just coated steel

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

How would I get brass nice and tarnished? And how can I tell if it is actual brass and not just coated steel?

The 2nd part (bolded) should be easy to verify with a magnet. I think it's unlikely you'd find brass-coated steel anyway (plain brass, by itself, is cheaper than going to all that trouble coating steel). I don't think I've ever seen or heard of it anyway.

Anything acidic will tarnish (oxidize) brass, as with plain carbon steel. Might try some vinegar, or acidic fruit juice (citrus, tomato, apple, etc). Might also search the web for tips on applying 'patina' to brass (or copper, as brass is an alloy of mostly copper anyway)...

(Googling on 'brass patina' seems to return a lot of 'How to' suggestions and methods...)


David

 

[mykel m]

Check out Birchwood Casey Brass Black, available in the gun cleaning/maintenance section of bigger sporting goods stores or online.

Here's what BC has to say about it on their site...


Fast-acting liquid used by gunsmiths and industry to blacken or antique brass, copper and bronze parts. Easy to apply with no dimensional change. Often used to mark cartridge cases to identify loads. Excellent for blackening name plates, plaques, castings, sculptures and other home, workshop and hobby uses. Color varies depending on alloy and can be highlighted if desired. Final appearance is enhanced by applying a clear coat finish, wax or oil.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Cold bluing works well for blackening brass.