To give the shiny new metal an aged look, you can age it with paint. You can also blacken it with corrosive materials, such as acid cleaners, vinegar, and salt. At first glance it might seem like a demanding project, but all you need is to have common products available; in a few hours you will be able to "age" any metal object by several years. You can make fantastic props or handcrafted decorations that look like expensive antiques.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Aging Metal with Paint
Step 1. Get a piece of shiny metal
In most cases it is galvanized metal with a steel layer that protects it from rust. This process is ideal for giving elements an artistic and antique look when you want to make stage or home furnishings.
Step 2. Sand the metal with 80 grit sandpaper
You can use an electric grinder or a suitable pad if you need to work on large objects. This will remove the shiny layer of the finish. Rub the metal until it loses its luster 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 for a long time
Step 3. Pour some black matte acrylic paint onto the palette
Dip a sponge brush into the water to soften it.
Use paints only in a well-ventilated area
Step 4. Start dabbing or spreading the color on the metal with small brush strokes
It starts with the areas with cracks and cracks and then continues over the rest of the surface. The black color should cover all the metal, but in an irregular way in order to recreate an antique effect.
Step 5. Wait overnight for the black coat of paint to dry
You need to allow the acrylic paint to dry completely before applying the next layer. Find a place to store the item overnight and wash the brush while the paint is still fresh to make it easier to remove.
Step 6. Choose colors for details
If you want to get a galvanized look, buy some gunmetal gray matte paint and that burnt umber. If you prefer bronze tones, you should always choose opaque acrylic products, but natural and burnt umber color.
- You don't have to coat the metal with multiple layers of solid paint. Just dab the gray color with a sponge to recreate a galvanized effect. Then decide whether to apply the umber color as well and in what quantities.
- If you want to get a bronzed effect, mix the natural umber color with the burnt one to create a warm shade like bronze.
Step 7. Wet the brush
Pour some of the chosen color on the palette, this varies according to the type of finish you have decided to achieve.
Step 8. Dab the brush unevenly all over the metal object
Your goal is to create an uneven patina. For example, you can make edges and holes gray or bronze.
If you've opted for a galvanized look, then you can add a few light coats of umber color
Step 9. Wait for each layer of paint to dry
Store the metal object in a well-ventilated area where it will not get in the way for the next 24 hours.
Step 10. Sand the edges
Look at the metal object and see if it needs some finishing touches. If you want to give it an even more aged look or make some changes, go over a few stitches with the sandpaper one last time. At the end it eliminates all the dust; now your antiqued object is ready to be displayed.
Method 2 of 3: Aging Galvanized Metal with Acid
Step 1. Find a galvanized or gray metal object
This is the best way to create a white patina and give the metal an aged or mineralized appearance. You can also rust some spots.
Step 2. Sand the surface with sandpaper or an emery block
Choose 80 grit paper. Scrub the surface until the finish loses its luster and becomes rough. At the end, it eliminates any residue from processing.
Step 3. Place the metal outdoors or in a well-ventilated room
A plastic sheet should be spread around the object to protect the ground or floor from chemicals.
Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. Acid toilet cleaner is quite aggressive. It can damage clothes, irritate the skin and eyes by direct contact
Step 4. Pour the acid cleaner onto the surface
Grab the bottle with one hand and move the metal with the other so that the product covers the surface.
Dip a steel wool sponge in the cleaner and rub it all over the metal. Remember to treat handles or similar details as well. Apply the acid cleaner this way until the entire object is completely covered
Step 5. Wait for the chemical to work for 30 minutes after applying an even coat
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.
Step 6. Rinse the object
You can rub it with your hands protected by rubber gloves while rinsing it to get rid of any residual detergent. Check that all of the chemical has been removed from the metal and dispose of it properly. Dry the item before using it.
Method 3 of 3: Create a Brass-like Patina
Step 1. Find a metal object
Those in brass or copper are best for this project which allows you to make a verdigris patina. You can find a series of different "recipes" to obtain patinas of different colors, while always using the same technique.
Step 2. Make a solution of three parts apple cider vinegar and one part salt
Make sure it's a non-iodized salt, such as 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 make it possible to obtain shades tending to green, while sulphides create brown patinas.
Step 3. Leave the item to soak in the solution for half an hour
Completely submerge the metal and let the liquid work.
You can also spray it with the solution and expose it to air. In this case, you have to reapply the mixture several times over the course of 30 minutes
Step 4. Remove the metal from the liquid
Place it on kitchen paper and leave it in the open air for a few hours to allow the patina to develop. Once the metal has changed color, you can decide to repeat the process to obtain a more intense color patina.
Step 5. Spray the metal with wax or lacquer
This way you seal and protect the new color. When you are satisfied with the result, coat the entire surface of the metal with the lacquer.
