how can I age iron?

Question

I have an old wooden trunk/chest which was horribly varnished, it has since been sanded down but unfortunately b/f went over the iron detail on the wood (keyhole, hinges etc) and it has brought them up shiny, the trunk/chest now looks lovely all sanded but unfortunately looks too new as the iron work has come up shiny, I want to age the metal work again but have no idea how, any ideas anyone???

B/f used the black and decker mouse sander on the wood and like I said he inadvertently went over the metal work. thanks for your answer Doc but it was all gobbledy **** to me I need plain english and instructions suited to a 3 yr old lol!!!

Answer 1

Iron by it's composition; most often "ages" or shows signs of it; by rusting. That certainly stains and PITS the metal.

You might try various methods of oxidation; or staining in that process. The issue now however; might be some adverse effects to the wood; if the hardware is "AGED" while still attached.

I'm curious about the metal. You state it came up SHINY? I guess I'm curious about the process used in getting the wood and hardware to that point.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Try a paint store or maybe even Lowes or HD. You need a chemical that creates a patina. Make sure you are instructed on the use of any chemical you use. Most require good ventilation when used. Basically, it is an acid based chemical that "ages" the metal quicker than actually changing with age.