How can I age iron? I have an antediluvian wooden trunk/chest which was horribly varnished, it have...
I have an antediluvian wooden trunk/chest which was horribly varnished, it have since been sand down but unfortunately b/f go over the iron detail on the wood (keyhole, hinges etc) and it have brought them up shiny, the trunk/chest now looks lovely adjectives sanded but fatefully looks too new as the iron work have come up shiny, I want to age the metal work again but have no belief how, any ideas anyone???
Answers: Iron by it's composition; most habitually "ages" or shows signs of it; by rusting. That certainly stains and PITS the metal.
You might try a variety of methods of oxidation; or staining in that process. The issue presently 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 come up SHINY? I guess I'm curious about the process used within getting the wood and hardware to that point.
Steven Wolf
Try a paint store or maybe even Lowes or HD. You necessitate a chemical that creates a patina. Make sure you are instructed on the use of any chemical you use. Most require good drying when used. Basically, it is an acid base chemical that "ages" the metal quicker than actually varying with age.