How to Patina Brass Quickly — Easy Ways to Age Brass at Home

How to Patina Brass Quickly — Easy Ways to Age Brass at Home

Why You’ll Love the Patina Look

Brass brings warmth and luxury to any space — but over time, it naturally develops a rich, aged appearance known as a patina. This vintage look adds depth and character, especially to unlacquered brass faucets, hardware, and home décor.

If you don’t want to wait years for oxidation to occur, this guide will show you how to patina brass quickly with simple materials you already have at home.

What Is a Patina on Brass?

A patina is the result of oxidation — a natural chemical reaction that darkens brass and gives it a warm, antique tone. Depending on your method, it can look golden brown, dark bronze, or even greenish-blue.

At MetalWorksMorocco, we love patina because it tells a story — each piece ages uniquely, creating that one-of-a-kind handcrafted look.

Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Brass

Before creating a patina, make sure your brass is clean and unlacquered.
If it has a clear coating (lacquer), the patina won’t stick.

You’ll need:

  • Warm water and dish soap

  • Soft cloth or brush

  • Fine steel wool (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Wash the brass with warm soapy water to remove dirt and grease.

  2. If it’s lacquered, gently rub with fine steel wool or acetone.

  3. Rinse and dry completely before applying any patina method.

Step 2: Choose Your Patina Method

Here are three fast and proven ways to patina brass at home:

🔹 1. Vinegar and Salt Method (Natural & Quick)

What you need:

  • White vinegar

  • Table salt

  • Spray bottle

How to do it:

  1. Mix ½ cup vinegar + 1 tbsp salt in a spray bottle.

  2. Spray the brass evenly.

  3. Let it sit for 1–2 hours.

  4. Rinse and dry when you achieve the desired tone.

👉 This method gives your brass an antique brown patina in just a few hours.

🔹 2. Ammonia Fuming (For a Deeper Patina)

You’ll need:

  • Household ammonia

  • Sealed plastic container

  • Small rack or mesh stand

How to do it:

  1. Place the brass piece on the rack inside the container.

  2. Pour ammonia into the bottom (don’t let it touch the brass).

  3. Seal and let the fumes react for 2–4 hours.

  4. Air dry afterward.

⚠️ Always work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves.

🔹 3. Liver of Sulfur (Professional Finish)

If you want an even and rich patina, use liver of sulfur — a compound often used by metal artists.

Instructions:

  1. Mix in warm water according to the package.

  2. Dip your brass briefly, then rinse and dry.

  3. Polish gently to highlight raised details.

This method lets you control the color from light brown to deep black.

Step 3: Seal or Leave It Natural

Once your brass reaches the perfect shade, you can:

  • Seal it with clear wax or matte lacquer for protection.

  • Leave it unsealed for a natural evolution — especially great for unlacquered brass faucets that age beautifully over time.

Shop Authentic Unlacquered Brass Faucets

Want the patina look without waiting?
Explore our handcrafted unlacquered brass faucets and fixtures. Each piece from MetalWorksMorocco develops a unique patina as it ages — a perfect blend of craftsmanship and natural beauty.

Back to blog