How to Age Metal

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To give shiny new metal an aged look, you can antique it with paint.You can also blacken it with corrosive materials, such as acidic cleaners, vinegar and salt.At first glance it might seem like a challenging project, but all you need is to have some commonly used products available;in a few hours you will be able to "age" any metal object by several years.You can make fantastic stage props or handcrafted decorations that look like expensive antiques.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Aging Metal with Paint

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  1. In most cases it is galvanized metal with a layer of steel that protects it from rust.This process is ideal for giving items an artistic and antique look when you want to make stage or home decor.
  2. You can use an electric grinder or a special pad if you need to work on large objects.This way you eliminate the shiny layer of the finish.Rub the metal until it loses its shine and becomes rough.At the end, dust it to eliminate any residue from the processing.
    • Rub it with white spirit or vinegar to properly clean the surface.This will allow the paint to adhere perfectly and last a long time.[1]
  3. Dip a sponge brush in water to soften it.
    • Use paints only in a well-ventilated area.
  4. Start from the areas with cracks and cracks and then continue across the rest of the surface.The black color should cover all the metal, but in an irregular manner in order to recreate an antique effect.
  5. You must allow the acrylic paint to dry completely before applying the next layer.Find a place to store the item overnight, and wash your brush while the paint is still wet, as it's easier to remove this way.
  6. If you want to achieve a galvanized look, buy some gunmetal gray matte paint and that burnt umber.If you prefer bronze tones, you should always choose matte acrylic products, but natural and burnt umber colors.
    • You don't have to cover the metal with multiple layers of solid-color paint.Simply dab the gray color with a sponge to recreate a galvanized effect.Next, decide whether to also apply the umber color and in what quantities.[2]
    • If you want a bronzed look, mix natural umber with burnt umber to create a warm, bronze-like tone.
  7. Pour a little of the chosen color onto the palette, this varies depending on the type of finish you have decided to obtain.
  8. Your goal is to create an uneven patina.For example, you can make the edges and holes gray or bronzed.
    • If you're going for a galvanized look, then you can add a few light coats of raw umber.
  9. Store the metal object in a well-ventilated area where it will be out of the way for the next 24 hours.
  10. Look at the metal object and see if it needs any finishing touches.If you want to give it an even more aged look or make some changes, go over some places with sandpaper one last time.[3] Once finished, remove all the dust;now your antique object is ready to be displayed.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Aging Galvanized Metal with Acid

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  1. This is the best method to create a white patina and give an aged or mineralized appearance to the metal.You can also rust some places.
  2. Choose 80-grit paper.Rub the surface until the finish loses its shine and becomes rough.At the end, eliminate any residue from the process.
  3. It is a good idea to spread a plastic sheet around the object to protect the ground or floor from chemicals.
    • Wear safety glasses, gloves and a long-sleeved shirt.Acidic toilet cleaner is quite aggressive.It can damage clothing, irritate the skin and eyes through direct contact.
  4. [4] Grab the bottle with one hand and move the metal with the other so that the product covers the surface.
    • Dip a steel wool pad in the cleaner and rub it all over the metal.[5] Remember to also treat the handles or similar details.Apply the acidic cleaner in this manner until the entire item is completely covered.
  5. You should notice that the metal "ages" before your eyes.If you are not satisfied with the result, let the acid work for a while longer.
  6. You can rub it with hands protected by rubber gloves while rinsing it to remove any detergent residue.Check that all chemical has been removed from the metal and dispose of it properly.Dry the item before using it.[6]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Create a Patina similar to Brass

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  1. Brass or copper ones are best for this project as they allow you to create a patina verdigris.You can find a series of different "recipes" to obtain patinas of different colors, while always using the same technique.[7]
  2. Make sure it's a non-iodized salt, like sea salt.
    • Pour the solution into a bowl if you need to age a small item.
    • Transfer it to a spray bottle if you want to apply it to a large piece of metal.
    • You can find different recipes for making patinas of different colors.For example, chlorides allow you to obtain greenish shades, while sulfides create brown patinas.[8]
  3. Completely submerge the metal and let the liquid work.
    • You can also spray it with the solution and expose it to the air.In this case you must reapply the mixture several times within 30 minutes.
  4. Place it on some kitchen paper and leave it in the open air for a few hours, so that the patina develops.Once the metal has changed color, you can decide to repeat the process to obtain a patina with a more intense color.
  5. This way you seal and protect the new color.When you're happy with the result, coat the entire surface of the metal with lacquer.
    • Check that the item is completely dry.If any moisture remains between the surface and the protective layer, the metal will turn black.
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Things you will need

Aging Metal with Paint

  • Metal object
  • Matte black acrylic paint
  • Gray matt acrylic paint
  • Matt acrylic paint in natural or burnt umber colour
  • Brush
  • 80 grit sandpaper
  • Palette
  • Waterfall

Aging Galvanized Metal with Acid

  • Acidic toilet cleaner
  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Garden hose
  • Spray bottle

Create a Patina similar to Brass

  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Sea salt
  • Steel wool
  • Lacquer
  • Kitchen paper
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