Subject: Antiquing hardware (Hinges, screws, etc.)

From: [email-masked] (Gary Wilce)
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 1997 19:18:47 GMT

Does anyone know how to give an antigue (i.e. old, corroded, darkened)
look to new hinges and srews.  I think there is a mild corrosive that
can be used safely but I'm not sure what it is or how to use it.

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From: [email-masked] (Robert Klein)
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 1997 08:46:58 GMT

I have heated steel hinges and screws red hot and let them cool
slowly.  This produces a gun metal blue color.  As far as the changes
in the brittleness of the metal, I do not know.  But I have had none
come back.

On Sun, 30 Mar 1997 19:18:47 GMT, [email-masked] (Gary

>can be used safely but I'm not sure what it is or how to use it.

Regards,

Robert Klein
Robert's Antiques and Restoration
Pensacola, FL  32505  USA
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[email-masked]
[email-masked]

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From: [email-masked] (SFFLYER)
Date: 31 Mar 1997 15:55:38 GMT

Muriatic acid (dilute nitric acid) will strip the zinc plating off steel
hardware.  This is the same stuff used to clean concrete, and is available
in gallon jugs at any hardware store worthy of the designation (usual
precautions on fumes, eye/skin protection/enclosed spaces/drinking the
stuff).  

This will allow you to follow with water (real rust - what a concept...),
wax (slower rust), oil (dip after heating hardware with torch - usual
precautions for fire-proof container with drop airtight lid), or whatever.
 Oil results in a 'forge finish' - about what you get from Ball and Ball
on strap hinges.

Check FWW and AWW back issues for directions.  Seems they also covered
doing brass hardware...

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From: John Glasscock <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 01 Apr 1997 22:36:34 -0500

Ammonium vapour works well.  Suspend your hardware over a large 
surface area (minimal depth) container of household ammonia.  Put this 
in a sealed box and let it set overnight.  You'll get a nice black 
patina.  Use caution, but this is one of the least toxic ways to 
acheive the effect you want.
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