Adding Beautiful Patina To Brass Components

Give your reclaimed brass a beautiful blue makeover

Posted by Tammie E. [TTE Designs]

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Reclaimed brass from a thrift shop find is refurbished into beautiful earrings.

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You Will Need (16 things)

  • Sheet Brass
  • Metal Snips
  • Embossing Machine
  • Embossing Folder
  • Ammonia
  • Salt
  • Plastic disposable container with Lid
  • Raised plastic Scrap square
  • Tweezers
  • Paper Towel
  • Sandpaper
  • Hole Punch
  • Vintaj metal Sealant
  • Small Paintbrush
  • Earwires
  • Bead(s)

Steps (7 steps, 510 minutes)

  1. 1

    Locate some 24 gauge brass sheeting. If you don't make a great thrift shop find, it can be purchased online.

  2. 2

    Using metal snips, cut two matching squares. Sand surface and edges lightly to smooth, clean with damp cloth.
    Emboss with machine and a design folder in a pattern of your choice.

  3. 3

    Prepare a plastic disposable container with lid. Cut a raised scrap of a plastic or container box and place in the center to elevate the two brass elements.
    Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on top of the metal pieces. Carefully pour about 1/4 cup of ammonia into the base of the container at the edges being careful not to wet the brass and salt.

  4. 4

    Cover with lid and leave for at least 8 hours or longer. The fumes from the ammonia react with the salt on the brass to create a pretty blue patina.
    When you are satisfied with the color carefully open the lid and use tweezers to place the pieces on a paper towel to dry.

  5. 5

    Once dry, if desired, lightly sand the raised areas to reveal the embossed pattern. Hole punch at the top center of each piece.

  6. 6

    Shows one sanded and one left as is. Seal with clear metal sealant if desired. Allow drying time

  7. 7

    Add ear wires with bead accents.