Ageing Brass?

[graffian]

No I don't want to know about an old trout who is still working.

I made somethin from brass and want to age it. I was told the vapour from vinegar and salt does the job.
So I put some vinegar and salt in a coffee jar, not enought to wet the part, then I plonked the part on the raised bit at the bottom of the jar and put the lid on the jar.

It's been in there 24 hours and hasn't really changed. If I take the top off I am hit by the vinegar fumes so I am assuming there is enough vinegar. Do you have to add a specific amount of salt? Maybe add a good glug of heat will speed it up?

 

[tom2207]

copper is horse pee ,,, thats the old roofing trick to get the verdigris started quickly , dont know if it will work for brass though ,,,
you could try peeing on it ,, mildly acidic . just a thought.

 

[Nick67GT]

There is a section in Machinery’s Handbook which deals with the colouring and ageing of various metals.

I’ll try to find my copy and photo the appropriate pages later.

 

[graffian]

No need I have a copy.
I didn't think of looking in it!

 

[mtt.tr]

amonia is just about the quickest possible way

bi carb soda works but its slow vinegar tends to clean it

 

[Nick67GT]

Hopefully this will help with what you’re trying to achieve:

 

[graffian]

Cheers for all that.
I have put it back in the bottle of vinegar, put more vinegar in the bottle and stuck it on
the gatepost. So it will get plenty of sun.
It's going to be used whatever it looks like tomorow.

 

[voipio]

I get the impression that the idea with vinegar and salt is to not use much of the mixture, but enough to wet the part whilst shaking, then allow air action for an hour or so, and repeat several times until the desired effect is achieved.

 

[Screwdriver]

Bite the bullet and buy some antiquing fluid. Failing that, sea salt + ammonia. You could even try some copper sulphate pentahydrate. No idea what the effect will look like but it will have an effect!

 

[Parm]

Hopefully this will help with what you’re trying to achieve:

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Whats the book Nick ?

Looks interesting

 

[dan.taylor.1]

I use the curator antiquing solution, very fast acting, you need to make sure it's degreased properly. Not expensive really, a small bottle goes a long way

 

[fizzy]

Whats the book Nick ?

Looks interesting

I was thinking that as well.
Reminds me of an old book I had - can't remember the title - had all sorts of weird old tips and tricks in it. American book. Probably dating to the early 1900s. All sorts of whacky science experiments etc along with loads of stuff like this on treating metals etc.

 

[graffian]

It's from machinery's handbook by the look of it, different version to mine.
It's just the bulb holder retainer bit on an old BTH mag timer, not something I want to spend anything on.
I just walked past it and forgot to have a look at it. I have just been and had a look it's dark and looking older.

But it looks like it's got some fisheyes. I did give it a wash with isopropanol before putting it in the jar. I guess
I will have to clean it off and have another try.

 

[Shedendman]

Hopefully this will help with what you’re trying to achieve:

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That book available to download?

 

[Nick67GT]

Whats the book Nick ?

Looks interesting

It’s Machinery’s Handbook Parm - an American publication crammed full of all things engineering.

Mine is the 20th edition, about 35 years since my Dad bought it for me.

It’s fascinating reading and an invaluable source of information.

Extract from index:

 

[Ali]

Whats the book Nick ?

Looks interesting

it’s a very good read. Hoping to finish it before I’m 80.

 

[northwest]

it’s a very good read. Hoping to finish it before I’m 80.

Good luck with that! :-) The American "Journeyman" toolboxes have a drawer in the centre top to accommodate a copy, made to measure if you like. Another good reference is Workshop Receipts.

 

[jimbo1962]

antiquing fluid from John Penny Restoration will do the trick right before your eyes.

 

[Feet 'n Inches]

Made me recall I have an 11th edition copy (1942). By today's standards perhaps outdated but useful, nevertheless.