How to Antique Stainless Steel

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There are several ways to make a new stainless steel item appear antique.Best results are achieved by corroding the metal with vinegar or another abrasive chemical;if you want to get faster effects, you can try heating or painting the object.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

with Heat[1]

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  1. Step 1 Indossa i dispositivi di protezione adeguati.
    At a minimum, you should wear a pair of heat-resistant safety glasses and fireproof gloves.
    • Also keep in mind that you need to handle the metal object with another tool, such as pliers or a vice;whatever you use, it must be resistant to heat and fire to avoid the risk of burns.
  2. Step 2 Riempi un contenitore con fondi di caffè umidi e caldi.
    You need to prepare enough to cover all sides of the steel object you want to treat.
    • If you have recently made a cup of coffee, you can use freshly ground coffee;alternatively, pour enough boiling water over a new batch of grounds for a few minutes to absorb the moisture.
    • If you need to antique a small, narrow object, such as screws, you can fill a cup with the coffee powder you have prepared;if you are dealing with larger elements, cover the base of a shallow tray with coffee.
  3. Step 3 Scalda l'acciaio usando un accendino.
    Hold it still with pliers or a vice and run the flame of the lighter along its entire length, heating it carefully.
    • Continue moving and sliding the flame over the metal until it begins to darken.
    • If you're dealing with a larger object or want more flame control, you may want to consider a propane tank with a torch instead of using a lighter.
    • The steel should reach a temperature of 260°C, so you must work very carefully to avoid accidental burns.
  4. Step 4 Seppellisci l'acciaio nel caffè macinato.
    As soon as it starts to get darker, quickly dip the heated part into the grounds you have prepared and keep it submerged for 15-30 seconds.
    • The water in the coffee should cool the steel quickly;theoretically, once this phase is over you should be able to touch the metal safely, but still proceed with great caution.
    • In addition to cooling the item, the coffee should also dye it, giving it an aged look.
  5. Step 5 Ripeti se necessario.
    If you want the steel to darken even more, heat it up and soak it in ground coffee one more time.
    • You can repeat the treatment several times without fear of damaging the metal.
    • If you want to darken only one side or part of the object, concentrate the heat only in that area and apply the coffee only to that point.
  6. Step 6 Lucida il pezzo, se vuoi.
    When you are satisfied with the result, you can quickly polish the surface by rubbing vigorously with a soft cloth.
    • Wait until it is cool enough to the touch before proceeding with polishing.
    • This treatment should remove the coffee granules, as well as some dark patina from the metal;it should also make the steel a little shinier.
    • Once the piece has been dyed and polished as desired, the project is finished;the result should be permanent.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

with chemical corrosion[2]

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  1. Step 1 Strofina il metallo.
    Use sandpaper or steel wool to rub the sides of the item you want to antique.
    • This procedure gives it a worn appearance, removes the protective surface layer allowing the vinegar to penetrate deeper and act on the entire metal.
    • Rubbing with steel wool creates deep scratches;so if you want the metal to look just a little worn instead, you'll need to use sandpaper.For best results, choose a medium or coarse grain.
  2. Step 2 Trasferisci l'oggetto in un grande contenitore.
    Place it in a plastic bucket or other similar container made of non-reactive material.
    • Make sure that all the sides you want to antique are exposed;if one is covered or placed directly on the wall of the container, the vinegar is not able to work effectively.
  3. Step 3 Immergi l'oggetto nell'aceto.
    Pour the liquid into the container, covering all sides of the steel element.
    • Wear safety glasses and protective gloves when handling vinegar.Even though it is a moderately acidic substance, it could transmit a stinging sensation if it were to get into the eyes;it can also irritate the skin if it is sensitive or exposed for a long time.
    • Each side of the object that is wetted by vinegar undergoes variations.You can use any type of vinegar for this project, but distilled white vinegar is best suited as it is quite cheap and widely available.
    • If the steel element starts to float, try to keep it submerged by placing rocks or dried beans on top;However, make sure that the vinegar can still wet the entire surface.
  4. Step 4 Lascia agire per tutta la notte.
    Keep the steel in the vinegar for at least eight hours.
    • The piece should look slightly antiqued and aged as soon as you take it out.
    • When you remove it from the container, rinse it thoroughly to remove any traces of vinegar and dry it with a clean cloth.
  5. Step 5 Ripeti in base all'effetto che vuoi ottenere.
    If the antiqued look isn't as noticeable as you'd like, soak the metal in vinegar again for a longer period.
    • There are different types of stainless steel and this procedure may not always be effective in the same way for all objects;high-quality steel is likely to be more resistant to corrosion than lower-quality steel.
    • If you don't get the results you want, you can try using a more corrosive chemical;Usually, toilet cleaners work well.[3] Bleach, denture cleaners and silver cleaners also work well.
      • When using harsh chemicals, always wear safety glasses and rubber gloves.
      • Never mix chemicals together, as they could cause dangerous fumes;Always rinse thoroughly and dry the steel piece before treating it with any other substance.
    • When you are satisfied with the result, you can consider the project finished;the antiqued effect should be permanent.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

with an Acrylic Paint[4]

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  1. Step 1 Prepara l'attrezzatura.
    You will need some metallic acrylic paint, a brush and a damp sponge.
    • Look for a dark gray product;a good choice is the paint called "gunmetal".
    • Depending on the look you want to give the item, you can also use a metallic copper one, although this is optional.
    • It's also a good idea to have some water on hand, as you'll need to rinse the sponge periodically throughout the procedure;consider working near a sink or keep a bucket with clean water nearby while you work.
    • To avoid dirtying the environment, cover the entire area with a plastic sheet or newspaper;it is also advisable to wear a lab coat or apron to protect your clothing.
  2. Step 2 Applica la prima mano.
    Dip the brush in the gunmetal gray paint and spread it over the sides of the steel object with uniform movements.
    • Pour the color into a disposable saucer for easy access.
    • Apply the paint following the grain of the steel;cover the entire surface you want to antique, but don't let the color dry.
  3. Step 3 Tampona la vernice con la spugna.
    Dab it on the colored area to "mess up" the perfect layer you just applied.
    • By using a damp sponge instead of a dry one, you should be able to avoid leaving the sponge's mark on the paint.
    • The purpose of this step is to remove some color without eliminating it completely;the majority must remain on the metal once this stage is completed.
    • As you dab the paint, you should notice some "smudges" and splattered areas;both effects are ones you need to maintain.
  4. Step 4 Alterna le due procedure in base al bisogno.
    Work with the brush to apply the paint and then dab with the damp sponge.
    • When the sponge gets too dirty, you need to rinse it with clean water and wring it out thoroughly before applying it to the piece of steel again;remember that it must be moist but not too soaked in water.
    • Continue alternating painting and sponging until the metal appears naturally worn.
  5. Step 5 Lascia asciugare.
    Set the item aside and wait for it to dry completely before handling it further.
    • Observe it once dry.You should be able to see most of the natural metal underneath the paint layer;evaluate whether or not you are satisfied with the result.
  6. Step 6 Decidi con attenzione se applicare un altro strato di vernice.
    If you wish, you can add another coat of copper-colored metallic paint over the "gunmetal" color one, still using the same technique described previously.
    • However, this is a completely optional second application.Keep in mind that it will coat the steel even more;if you are not satisfied with the result, you will have to remove the paint from scratch and it will be impossible to recover the first layer you applied.
    • Don't add more layers after the second;if you apply too many, it is more evident that the object has been painted and that it has not aged naturally.
    • Once you achieve the desired look, the project is finished;the antiqued effect will last a long time, unless you remove the paint layer.
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Things you will need

with Heat

  • Stainless steel item
  • Goggles
  • Fireproof gloves
  • Fireproof vice or pliers
  • Shallow tray
  • Wet coffee grounds
  • Propane tank or portable lighter
  • Soft cloth

with chemical corrosion

  • Stainless steel item
  • Glass wool or medium/coarse grit sandpaper
  • Plastic bucket
  • Vinegar
  • Gravel or dried beans
  • Rubber gloves
  • Safety glasses

with an Acrylic Paint

  • Stainless steel item
  • "Gunmetal" metallic acrylic paint
  • Copper-coloured metallic acrylic paint
  • Brush
  • Damp sponge
  • Bowl of water
  • Newspaper
  • Work coat
  • Absorbent paper
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