How To Age Brass Hardware | Achieve The Look Without The Wait!

In my opinion, aged brass hardware is one of the easiest and most beautiful ways to add an antique touch to your home. If you love the look too, but don’t want to wait years for your brass to develop a natural patina, you’ve come to the right place. After trial and error, I’ve found three great ways to age brass hardware at home.

Today on the blog, I’ll be breaking down how to age brass hardware yourself! While the natural aging patina is stunning, sometimes that wait just feels too long. Instead, try out these options to achieve a customized look on hardware you already have (or just purchased)!

Types of Brass Hardware

Before diving into the aging process, it’s important to know what type of brass hardware you’re working with. This will determine how easily it can be aged.

• Lacquered Brass: Sealed with a thin layer of varnish, lacquered brass resists aging and patina development. If your hardware is lacquered, you’ll need to remove the coating before starting the aging process.
• Unlacquered Brass: Unsealed and exposed to air, unlacquered brass naturally darkens over time as it develops a patina. This is the ideal choice if you’re aiming for an aged look.

If you haven’t yet purchased brass hardware but want the look of a patina, try to buy pieces labeled “unlacquered” or “unvarnished.” If you cannot find unlacquered, here is how to remove the varnish…

How to Prepare Lacquered Brass

If your hardware is lacquered, don’t worry! You can prepare it for aging with these steps:

1. Soak the hardware in a paint stripper overnight.
2. Use sandpaper or steel wool to remove the remaining lacquer.
3. Rinse thoroughly and dry before proceeding with the aging methods below.

Three Ways to Age Brass Hardware

1. Use a brass aging solution.

Using a brass aging solution is one of the quickest and most effective ways to achieve an aged look. Here are the steps you need to complete it perfectly:

• Purchase a brass aging solution (many are available online— but this one is my favorite).
• Submerge your brass hardware in the solution until it reaches your desired level of darkness.
• Rinse with water and dry thoroughly to stop the aging process.

Pro Tip: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the solution for best results!

2. Try vinegar.

If you prefer a DIY method using household items, vinegar is a fantastic option.

• Place your hardware in a container along with vinegar fumes (but not direct contact). A double boiler or sealed container works well for this.
• Let the hardware sit until it reaches your desired level of tarnish. Check periodically—the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on how aged you want it.
• Once satisfied, rinse with water and dry thoroughly.

My Experience: I left our brass knobs in vinegar fumes for about 45 minutes, and I loved the subtle distressed finish!

3. Let Time Do The Work!

For those who prefer a natural approach, simply install unlacquered brass hardware and let time do its thing. This is the best way to get the lived-in look – all you have to do is use it normally!

• Over time (around two years), unlacquered brass will naturally develop a rich patina through exposure to air and use.
• To maintain this natural aging process, clean your hardware gently with water and mild soap—avoid harsh chemicals that could strip away the patina.

Patience is key! While this method takes longer, it offers an authentic antique look that only time can create.

Don’t Like The Look? Here’s How To De-Age Brass Hardware

There’s always a chance you’ll artificially age your brass hardware and then decide you don’t like the look. That’s okay! You can easily de-age it with Barkeeper’s Friend or Brasso for a shiny new look. This flexibility allows you to experiment without fear of permanent changes.

Do you like the look of aged brass hardware or do you prefer a shine? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:

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