How to Age Metal

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To make your new, shiny metal appear old, you can antique it with paint. You can also tarnish it using corrosive materials, such as acid cleaner, vinegar, and salt. It may seem like a big project, but all you need is some ordinary household products to make a metal object age several years in just a few hours or so. You can create some incredible props or just some homemade decorative metal pieces that look like expensive antiques.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Aging Metal with Paint

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  1. Most often you will find galvanized metal, which has a steel coating over it to protect it from rust. This process is ideal for props or furniture, where you want to create an artistic antique finish.
  2. Use a sanding pad or sander for larger pieces of metal. Sanding will remove the shine on a finish. Rub the metal object until the surface loses the shine and slickness. Wipe away any dust left behind from the sanding.
    • Wipe down the metal with mineral spirits or vinegar to clean the surface. Having a clean surface will assure the paint can stick to the surface and last longer.
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  3. Dip your sponge brush in water to soften the bristles.
    • Be sure to paint only in a well-ventilated area.
  4. Begin with the cracks and crevices of the object, and then continue all around it. Black should cover the piece, but have some variation to mimic the aging process.
  5. You will need to allow the paint to dry completely before applying the next layer. Find an out of the way area to store your metal overnight. Wash your brush while the paint is still wet to remove it more easily.
  6. If you want a galvanized look, buy a matte gunmetal grey and burnt umber paint color. If you want a bronzed look, buy matte acrylic burnt and raw umber paints.
    • Don't feel like you have to layer your paints. You can try sponging some gunmetal grey to create and aged galvanized metal look. Then decide how much, if any, umber to add. [1]
    • If you want a bronzed look, you will mix your raw and burnt umbers to create a warm bronze color.
  7. Pour your selected paint color onto your palette. Your paint color will vary depending upon the finish you want to achieve.
  8. You want to create the look of an uneven patina. For instance, you could make it grayer or bronze around the edges or divots.
    • If you are aiming for a galvanized look, you can an additional light layer of umber paint.
  9. Leave the metal in a well-ventilated, out of the way location for the next 24 hours.
  10. Take a look at your aged metal and decide if it needs a few finishing touches. If you want to create further aging or variations, go over the desire areas with the sandpaper one last time. Wipe the dust away and your aged metal piece is ready to display.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Aging Galvanized Metal with Acid

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  1. This is an ideal process if you want to create a white, aged or mineralized look. You may even be able to create a little bit of rust in some areas.
  2. Choose 80-grit sandpaper. Rub away at the surface until the shininess and slickness of the finish is gone. Wipe down the piece to clear away any debris.
  3. You may also want to spread a plastic sheet on the ground to protect it from exposure to the chemicals.
    • Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt. Toilet bowl cleaner can be pretty strong stuff. It can ruin your clothes and irritate your skin and eyes if you come in direct contact.
  4. Hold the bottle with one hand and move the metal so the liquid pours over the surface of the metal until it is completely coated.
    • Dip a steel wool pad in the cleaner and rub it all over the metal object. [2] Be sure to get any handles or similar areas as well. Apply cleaner as needed until the entire surface is covered.
  5. You will be able to actually see the metal aging before your eyes. If you aren't happy with the results, let the metal soak a bit longer.
  6. You can use your rubber gloves to help wipe away the cleaner as you rinse. Be sure all of the chemicals are removed and disposed of safely. Dry the metal off before using.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Creating a Brass-like Patina

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  1. Brass or copper metals work best. This process creates the green verdigris patina. You can find recipes that use different ingredients to create a wide range of other colors by using the same methods. [3]
  2. Make sure the salt is non-iodized, such as sea salt.
    • Pour the mixed solution into a bowl if your object is small.
    • Place the solution in a spray bottle if you plan on using this process on a large item.
    • You can find many other recipes to make patinas. Chlorides will create green shades, while sulfides will create brown shades. [4]
  3. Completely submerge the metal object. Let it sit.
    • You can also spray the object and set it out. Reapply the solution to the surface several times over the next 30 minutes.
  4. Place it on a paper towel. Allow it to sit for several hours to develop. Once it has completely developed, you can decide if you want to repeat the process to change the object further.
  5. This will seal the altered color onto the metal. Once you are satisfied with the coloring of your metal object, coat the entire surface with varnish.
    • Be sure the metal is completely dry. If there is still moisture on the metal when you seal it, the metal will tarnish.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Would this be safe to eat out of?
    Danny Santoro
    Community Answer
    Probably not. Most of the materials mentioned aren't food safe, particularly the paints and acid solvents. This should be for display only as using it to eat or drink with wouldn't be suggested.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4
  • Question
    I want to make crosses using nails. How can I take the shine off the nails so they look old?
    Community Answer
    Hammer them so they look a bit more aged. Then use low-grit sandpaper or a light coat of acid (apply and wipe off) to remove the shine.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9
  • Question
    How do I tarnish metal that's painted?
    Community Answer
    Your can't tarnish the metal unless you remove the paint. You can, however, make the paint appear aged by using the aging metal with paint method.
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      Things You'll Need

      Aging Metal with Paint

      • Metal object
      • Black matte acrylic paint
      • Grey matte acrylic paint
      • Raw umber/burnt umber matte acrylic paint
      • Paintbrushes
      • 80-grit sandpaper
      • Palette
      • Water

      Aging Metal with Acid

      • Acidic toilet bowl cleaner
      • Gloves
      • Safety glasses
      • Hose
      • Spray bottle

      Creating a Brass-like Patina

      • Apple cider vinegar
      • Sea salt
      • Steel wool
      • Varnish
      • Paper towels


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.snazzylittlethings.com/how-to-age-galvanized-metal/
      2. ↑ https://www.prettyhandygirl.com/aging-galvanized-metal-quickly/
      3. ↑ https://www.sciencecompany.com/Patina-Formulas-for-Brass-Bronze-and-Copper.aspx
      4. ↑ https://www.thecopperstar.com/what-is-a-patina

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To age galvanized metal, start by sanding it with 80-grit sandpaper until it no longer looks shiny and slick. Then, put the metal on a plastic sheet in an open or well-ventilated area, and put on safety glasses, gloves, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the chemicals. Next, pour an acid toilet bowl cleaner over the metal surface, and rub it with a steel wool pad. Let the cleaner sit on the metal for about 30 minutes, or until it looks as old as you want it to. Finally, rinse away the cleaner and dry off the metal to see your newly aged piece. To learn how to age metal using paint, keep reading!

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