How to Darken Brass Furniture Nails

Brass naturally darkens over time.

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Antique brass has a deep and rich patina that covers the original shiny brass. Manufacturers add a special topcoat to brass furniture nails that mimics the richness of the antique style. When you clean the nails, you may remove some of that coating. Even if you have brass nails on an existing piece of furniture, you have the option of darkening the brass. Adding a dark coating to the nails changes the look of the brass and gives the piece a slightly antiqued look.

Related Searches:Difficulty:Moderately EasyInstructions Things You'll NeedLarge potBrass furniture nailsAcetoneSoft clothRubbing alcoholCookie sheetDistilled white vinegarPaintbrushBeeswaxMicrofiber clothSuggest Edits1

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil on the stove. Add brass furniture nails and boil for several minutes. The boiling hot water should remove any protective coat or clear coating applied to the nails by the manufacturer.

2

Remove the brass nails from the water and dry. Pour acetone on a soft cloth and rub the cloth over all areas of the nail. The acetone removes any protective coating or varnish still left on the brass nails, and gives the nails a smooth surface.

3

Rub each nail with rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol removes any dirt or other debris stuck on the brass without damaging the metal. Rubbing alcohol naturally evaporates into the air and does not require any rinsing of the metal.

4

Set the brass nails on a cookie sheet and bake at a low temperature for five to 10 minutes, just warming up the metal. Paint a thin layer of vinegar on each nail and let sit until the vinegar dries. Check the color, and if you want a darker look, then apply another layer of vinegar. Keep painting the vinegar on the brass until you reach the desired darkness.

5

Dip a microfiber cloth in prepared beeswax and rub the beeswax on each nail. Gently rub the beeswax onto the metal, and buff off any excess wax with the clean side of the cloth. The beeswax forms a protective coating on top of the brass.

Tips & Warnings

If you want a more natural darkening, then pour vinegar in a glass jar. Wrap the nails in cheesecloth and suspend the cloth inside the jar, slightly above the vinegar. Cap the jar and let the vinegar fumes create the darkened look on the brass.

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ReferencesJem Library: How To Antique BrassOil Lamp Parts: Giving New Brass an Old LookPhoto Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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