Today, metal parts and surfaces are in great demand in interior design. They decorate furniture and accessories.

Aged metal is in demand: with a rough surface and different color shades. Such decorative details give the interior or clothing items a certain time-tested solidity.

To age metal you will need:

✔ bicarbonate of soda or active acids;

— Metalworking methods and decorative design There are currently a lot of metals, which is facilitated by the development chemical industry. Many methods of aging metal have come to us from the distant past. Therefore, the method of decorative metal processing must be chosen depending on the desired result and the type of metal used.

— Before starting work, it is necessary to clean the surface of the material from all kinds of contaminants. The results of labor are largely determined by the quality of this stage. It is possible to carefully anneal the product, which will rid it of any remaining resin or other impurities.

How to age metal

Motorists or builders will not have the desire to age metal, but craftswomen and designers now very often resort to this technique in order to obtain interesting details in interior design or decorative elements. The surface of aged metal acquires an interesting structure and various color shades - roughness and play of colors give the product solidity and originality.

Artificially aging metal is quite simple. In an elementary case, you can put it in a place with high humidity and after some time (weeks will pass) the product will be covered with a layer of rust and will look like antique. The method is simple, but time-consuming, so at the moment Most often, various chemicals are used to age metals: nitric acid, bicarbonate of soda, drying oil or active acids. Experts are constantly finding new ways to decoratively age metal, but the most proven and accessible recipes have come to us from ancient times.

An important point in this process is the need correct application chemicals to certain metals. And since we are talking about aggressive substances, when aging metals it is necessary to use means personal protection– gloves, glasses, respirators.

Metal aging technology

• Before starting work, the metal must be cleaned of any contaminants. The success of the work depends on the preliminary preparation, so it is necessary to clean the surface diligently. Sometimes it is even recommended to anneal the metal to remove residual resins or other substances.
• If the parts are made of copper or brass, then it must first be bleached with a weak solution of sulfuric acid. And iron is treated with a more concentrated solution of sulfuric acid. Aluminum products are treated with bicarbonate of soda. Regardless of the processing method, after completion of work, the parts must be thoroughly rinsed under running water and cleaned with a stiff brush.

Nitric acid is used to work with brass and copper. Since the fumes of this acid are harmful to humans, special care should be taken, and it is generally not recommended to work with this substance indoors. It is better to go outside to work with metal.

The acid is applied to the surface of the metal product with a cotton swab wound on a wooden stick. The reaction to the substance will be noticeable immediately - the surface of the metal will change color from rich green to black. After the reaction has occurred, the metal must be heated until the composition completely evaporates. Then the product is washed under running hot running water.

Color finished product can turn out olive green to brown and light gray to black. This depends on the concentration of the acid, the duration of contact with it, and the degree of heating. The resulting effect is quite durable, so you can polish or grind the part.

If iron parts are aged, they are thoroughly cleaned, coated with drying oil, and then heated to 300-400 degrees Celsius. For uniform surface treatment, it is better to heat the part in an oven. If a light tone of the part is required, then nitric acid is used.

To process aluminum products I use kerosene or soot. These substances emphasize the structure of this metal and give it a beautiful decorative appearance.

Method for rapid aging of metal products

Often, for various creative ideas, antique buttons, needles, pins, nails, horseshoes, etc. are needed. You can quickly age such metal products using vinegar (1/4 cup) and salt (2 tablespoons).

1. Mix both substances and immerse the metal part in the resulting solution.
2. The composition is mixed, covered with a lid with holes and left for 12 hours.
3. Then the parts are taken out and dried on newspaper.
4. If excess rust has formed, you can sand it off with sandpaper.

To work with the solution, it is better to take glass or plastic containers that are resistant to chemicals.

Mix the ingredients with a wooden, plastic or porcelain spoon.

A container of larger volume is required, since after immersing a metal part in the solution, the liquid will begin to foam.

If work is not carried out outdoors, a well-ventilated area should be used.

Ways to age various metals

Antique-style metal has been considered an interesting design solution for many years. Thanks to certain techniques, the metal acquires a specific roughness, and shimmers of several colors appear on its surface. Many designers and craftswomen wonder how to age metal and what products will be needed for this purpose. In fact, work to give metal an antique effect does not cause any particular difficulties, and also does not require a colossal expenditure of money and time.

This is what metal that has been artificially aged looks like

When answering the question of how to age copper, it is important to mention several methods for doing this. The first thing to check is the authenticity of the copper. This metal is characterized by a golden brown hue. Also, copper is practically not attracted to a magnet.

In addition, you should pay attention to the presence of a layer of varnish on the copper product. If there is one, then it must be removed. This can be done using acetone (this liquid is used to remove manicure polish) - just soak a piece of cotton wool in the substance and thoroughly rub the copper product with it. Instead of acetone, you can use methyl alcohol or paint thinner. After treating the product with acetone, soak it in hot water. This technique will help completely remove the varnish.

If the copper object does not have a varnish coating, then simply degrease it. A solution of water and vinegar (1:1) or medical alcohol is suitable for this purpose. Preparation of the product for aging is completed by drying. A hairdryer or gas burner is suitable for this purpose.

There are 3 proven ways to age copper:

1. Using ammonia vapor: first you need to purchase pure ammonia and a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Before you begin work, you need to provide access to fresh air into the room and protect your hands and eyes (gloves and goggles will be needed for this purpose). Place at the bottom of the container wooden beam, on which copper products will be laid out. Then ammonia is poured into the container, but only so that its level is below the level of the bar. It is important to ensure that the item does not fall into the ammonia, but if this happens, it should be removed immediately and thoroughly rinsed with water. After placing a copper object on a block, you need to tightly close the container and leave the product in ammonia for several hours. At the end of the procedure, the item should be thoroughly dried. To consolidate the effect, you can rub the aged object with paraffin.
2. Using a special solution: You can find a solution on sale that is used for aging copper. It is important to protect your hands and eyes when handling this product. The solution for aging copper is prepared in accordance with the instructions (usually 10 parts of water are taken for 1 part of the product). The product must be taken in a gloved hand and dipped into the solution several times. Manipulations are carried out until the desired effect is achieved. At the end of the procedure, rinse the product hot water and dry thoroughly.
3. Salt solution: to prepare it, you need to take 1 part water and 1 part salt. The resulting liquid is applied to the product with a brush several times a day, while monitoring the effect of the procedure. Such aging may take several days.
4. Vinegar: to age copper at home, you need to take pure vinegar and apply it to the product with a brush. After a few hours, the procedure should be repeated. You can also simply soak the product in vinegar, then dry it thoroughly with a stream of hot air.

Such methods are suitable for aging other types of metal. For example, if you need to age brass, just take apple cider vinegar (3 parts) and salt (1 part). A solution is prepared from the components and poured into a spray bottle. The product should be evenly irrigated with the resulting solution for half an hour. At the end of the work, the object must be polished with paraffin.

You can also paint a metal product, and for this you need to prepare sandpaper, solvent, black acrylic paint, a sponge brush, another shade of acrylic paint (this will be an accent color). Before you start working on the product, you need to treat it with sandpaper, and then degrease the surface of the object. Then you need to take a brush, moisten it with water and dip it in black paint. The product is painted and left to dry overnight. Afterwards, the object should be painted in uneven strokes with an accent color paint. The paint layer must dry for at least two days.

Whatever method of aging metal is chosen, the person working on the product must take care to comply with safety regulations. Do not allow any products to come into contact with the skin and mucous membranes!

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Motorists or builders will not have the desire to age metal, but craftswomen and designers now very often resort to this technique in order to obtain interesting details in interior design or decorative elements. The surface of aged metal acquires an interesting structure and various color shades - roughness and play of colors give the product solidity and originality.

Artificially aging metal is quite simple. In an elementary case, you can put it in a place with high humidity and after some time (weeks will pass) the product will be covered with a layer of rust and will look like an antique item. The method is simple, but takes a lot of time, so at the moment, various chemicals are most often used to age metals: nitric acid, bicarbonate of soda, drying oil or active acids. Experts are constantly finding new ways to decoratively age metal, but the most proven and accessible recipes have come to us from ancient times.

An important point in this process is the need to correctly apply chemicals to certain metals. And since we are talking about aggressive substances, when aging metals it is necessary to use personal protective equipment - gloves, goggles, respirators.

Metal aging technology

Method for rapid aging of metal products

Often, for various creative ideas, antique buttons, needles, pins, nails, horseshoes, etc. are needed. You can quickly age such metal products using vinegar (1/4 cup) and salt (2 tablespoons).

1. Mix both substances and immerse the metal part in the resulting solution.
2. The composition is mixed, covered with a lid with holes and left for 12 hours.
3. Then the parts are taken out and dried on newspaper.
4. If excess rust has formed, you can sand it off with sandpaper.

To work with the solution, it is better to take glass or plastic containers that are resistant to chemicals.
Mix the ingredients with a wooden, plastic or porcelain spoon.
A container of larger volume is required, since after immersing a metal part in the solution, the liquid will begin to foam.
If work is not carried out outdoors, a well-ventilated area should be used.

How to age metal

Metal surfaces and details are very popular in interior design today. They are widely used for decorating furniture and accessories. I especially liked the so-called aged metal. That is, not a smooth shiny surface, but a rough one, with different color shades. Such decorative elements give the interior or clothing items a certain solidity, standing the test of time.

Active acids or bicarbonate of soda
- nitric acid
- drying oil

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Modern chemistry offers enough large number methods of decorative metal processing. Many recipes have been known since ancient times. Choose a method depending on the desired results, as well as the type of metal that you are going to undergo decorative processing.

Before starting to work with the material, clean its surface from any contamination. The results of your work will largely depend on how carefully you go through this stage. The product can be carefully annealed to remove any residual resin or any other impurities. If you are going to work with brass or copper alloys, bleach them in a weak solution of sulfuric acid, and if you are going to work with iron, use sulfuric acid. Bicarbonate of soda works well for aluminum products. After processing items, rinse them well and clean them with a wire brush. Now proceed directly to the finishing.

To age copper and brass, use nitric acid. Remember that nitric acid is dangerous because it emits fumes. That is why working with it indoors can lead to serious consequences. Carry out any work with nitric acid outdoors. To work you will need a cotton swab. Wrap it around a wooden stick, and use it to apply nitric acid or its solution to the metal surface. Once the reaction is complete, heat the item and continue heating until the evaporation reaction stops.

The color of the surface will depend on the concentration of the acid, the time of treatment of the metal surface, and the degree of heating after treatment.

When working with iron products, immediately after cleaning the surface, apply drying oil to them. After that, heat to 300 or 400 degrees. If you use an oven, the surface tone will be more uniform. If you want to give the surface lighter colors, use nitric acid.

If you plan to age or simply decorate an aluminum surface, prepare kerosene or soot for the procedure. This will best highlight all the features of the relief and give the surface originality.

sovietsky 27-01-2009 18:34

Gentlemen, I have a question, how to age a blade at home? I heard that one American master ages his blades by applying something like mustard blots to them in a chaotic order, just so that these same blots touch each other. In all likelihood, underneath the steel slightly oxidized its gray tint and the overall design had the appearance of a blade with a noble patina from long use. I rummaged around in the help for beginners section, in various search engines and didn’t come across anything like that, maybe someone heard something similar somewhere? Or has similar information, please share. I think I dug up this one at a flea market, I don’t remember exactly, there’s a warehouse there with such aging.

saboteur 27-01-2009 18:42

You can have lemon, you can have colored tea. On black, you can simply leave it outside in the fall and winter and the sinks will have a patina and the handle will age.

sovietsky 27-01-2009 18:47

I meant without the formation of shells, and the result in two or three days is possible faster. And etching gives noble gray and shows structure. And I would like to read the information that I heard about the methods of this American somewhere.

napalm 27-01-2009 18:57

I wrote in detail about the “aquatint” method, so look up the word. Roughly speaking, degrease the blade, heat it slightly and sprinkle with crushed rosin. Then poison it in any caustic solution. Those places where rosin has stuck are not etched; the result is a chaotic pattern of light spots on a dark background. The finer the rosin powder, the smaller the specks appear.
Time-wise - about half an hour for all procedures

GULO 27-01-2009 20:04

I aged with a solution of ferric chloride, or rather in it, but not just in it. After degreasing and before putting it in the solution, I took a brake cleaner in an aerosol, in general, it is a degreaser, and from a distance, the farther away the smaller the dots, with short presses I cover it with a small dot pattern, so to speak. After etching in ferric chloride, the pattern is preserved.

------------------
However

Knife maker 27-01-2009 21:54

quote: I heard that one American master ages his blades by applying something like mustard blots on them in a chaotic order, just so that these same blots touch each other.

This is Wayne Goddard, Making the Everyday Working Knife, Knife Making - A How-To Guide by Joe Kertzman. I tried it, I didn't really like it. I age the blades of machi made for reenactors with a weak solution of ferric chloride. I immerse it in the solution until a uniform dark coating forms, rinse, wipe clean and polish with clean felt - the effect is excellent! Check out my swords on the website.

sovietsky 27-01-2009 22:36

Thank you Nozhedel for the information, I’m not attentive, or I have sclerosis, I’ve had this book for about a year and a half, after I saw the title and read where it was written, I opened it and the whole process was described in detail. Thank you all for the information, I will try to age it.

serge-vv 28-01-2009 10:54

there is vinegar in mustard... that's the whole "secret"... you can also use mayonnaise with the same success or "Calve light" sauce

sa4mo 28-01-2009 12:00

Phosphoric acid - 15 - 30%, applied using a swab or brush (as convenient)..tested

Bergger 28-01-2009 12:57

Phosphoric acid, especially after rubbing with oil, gives a stable pearlescent color and gives the surface light anti-corrosion properties. I haven’t tried it with knives, but it works great on swords and armor. According to the external effect, the surface of the sword becomes as if its squire rubbed pork fat every day for months.

When painting metal products, two goals are pursued: protection against the formation of corrosive areas and giving the metal an aesthetic appearance. When implementing the last task, sometimes it is necessary to cover the surface in 2-3 layers. But the end result may not always be just painting. Sometimes metal products need to be given original decorative effects, for example, the appearance of an aged object. For this purpose special technologies are used. Let's try to figure out how to paint antique metal and what is required for this.

You can achieve the effect of aged metal by using the main method - aging through the creation of a patina and the formation of abrasions. Patina is applied with special paints, but for metal, acrylic-based metallic compounds are more often used. In stores today there is a wide range of such paints; in addition to their decorative function, they also perform a protective function.

Available to choose from acrylic paints for aged metal, namely:

• brass;
• bronze;
• copper;
• gold.

Thanks to modern technologies, an aged effect can be given not only to metal surfaces. Often this painting is performed on plastic, wood and plaster products.

The aging process is completed by applying a final protective layer. For this they often use:

• acrylic based varnish, which has high degree gloss;
• very durable polyurethane-based varnish with a gloss level of up to 50%;
• polyurethane based varnish with a matte effect.

How to age metal yourself?

The choice of method for creating an interior style, which assumes the presence of traces of antiquity in the design, is quite wide. For connoisseurs of this style, it is not always affordable to purchase real old items. The way out of this situation is to imitate ancient metals. How to properly paint antique metal with your own hands? Coloring is carried out in stages:

1. Preparing the surface for painting. We get rid of dirt, rust and traces of grease by grinding and solvent treatment.
2. Metal priming. In this way we achieve the formation of roughness on the surface for better adhesion of the paint. We choose a primer special for metal.
3. Application of selected metallic paint. Experts advise performing the process using a regular brush, this way aging is achieved in the best possible way.
4. Aging stage. When the paint has dried, coat the surface with a special craquelure varnish. It is after this step metal object covered with cracks that create the effect of an old product.

Important! If non-metallic surfaces are being processed, then it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the choice of primer composition to achieve reliable adhesion with metallized paints.

On video: master class on applying patina to forged metal.

Bronze painting

In the old days, many objects were made of bronze. Therefore, painting products in bronze will help to decorate the interior of the house in an old style. There are several technologies for coating metal with bronze. Let's consider the simplest options.

Giving a monochromatic effect

You can perform a single-color coating of metal with bronze as follows:

1. First of all, we clean the old surface from dirt and rust. To do this, you need to clean it with sandpaper and then degrease it.
2. To increase the adhesion of the dye to the surface, we perform a metal priming process. In addition to adhesion, the primer will help further protect the product from corrosion.
3. At the final stage, we begin painting with bronze paint. It is necessary to apply 2-3 layers evenly. But each subsequent layer is applied only after the previous one has completely dried.

Achieving the effect of antique bronze

Decorative antique painting with a bronze effect is suitable for lovers of rare things. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Preliminary preparation of the old surface is carried out according to the same rules as in the previous case. Also, do not forget to coat the product with a primer.
2. After priming, one layer of bronze paint is applied to the surface. It is desirable that the composition be applied evenly, but for an antique effect it is better to use a brush.
3. After drying, the bronze painted surface becomes covered with patina (paint of a darker color). It is applied to the recesses. Experts advise using a translucent patina. This allows you to adjust the shade of the bronze coating.
4. The next stage is glazing, that is, processing with a brush that is barely moistened with light paint. The process is carried out on all protruding edges and corners. This aging method allows you to give the product the effect of wear and tear, which usually appears on metal over the years.
5. Next, we wait a while, allowing the applied materials to dry completely, and finally we coat the product with transparent varnish.

Antique Brass Painting

Textured metallized compositions can transform a product, giving it an imitation of brass. The processing technology is almost no different from those provided above. The surface is pre-cleaned, sanded and degreased. The technique used for aging is decorative painting brass look

The application process is carried out as follows:

1. Before applying decorative paint, the old coating is removed from the product. To do this, you can use a wire brush or sandpaper.
2. The key to durability and reliability of painting is the primer. Use a compound specifically designed for metal.
3. Brass paint is applied to the surface in one layer. You can age the resulting coating by painting it with craquelure. Burnt umber, which is applied very carefully using a dry cloth, will help enhance the effect. If excess is formed during the work, it must be removed before the substance dries.
4. Finally, the surface of the painted and aged part is coated with a glossy acrylic-based varnish.

As you can see, designer antiquity is achieved in simple ways. When doing work with your own hands, paints that create the necessary effect of a bronze, brass, or copper surface help you get the desired result.