How To Add A  Patina To Brass Candlesticks: 

New brass candlesticks can be given old style character and charm by adding a beautiful patina (as in the mailboxes on the right).

The brass peice must be cleaned thoroughly first.  If there is any lacquer on the piece that must be removed too.  This can be done by soaking it in acetone or a laquer thinner, or a solution of Oxiclean and water overnight.  This will also remove any oil or  grease.  If the brass candlesticks already have some red patches or other colour splotches, these will  stand out more after the patina is applied.  Once the pieces are absolutely clean and dry, you can start applying the patina.

There are many techniques for applying a patina. In the book 'Colouring, Bronzing and Patination of Metals' by Richard Hughes and Michael Rowe, the authors  describe a variety of techniques and finishes. 

Adding A Patina To Brass Candlesticks 

The brass peice must be cleaned thoroughly first.  If there is any lacquer on the piece that must be removed too.  This can be done by soaking it in acetone or a laquer thinner, or a solution of Oxiclean and water overnight.  This will also remove any oil or  grease.  If the brass candlesticks already have some red patches or other colour splotches, these will  stand out more after the patina is applied.  Once the pieces are absolutely clean and dry, you can start applying the patina.

There are many techniques for applying a patina. In the book 'Colouring, Bronzing and Patination of Metals' by Richard Hughes and Michael Rowe, the authors  describe a variety of techniques and finishes.

Make a solution of 200 gm copper nitrate and 1 litre cold water.  Dip the piece in the solution for a seconds, drain and dry, twice daily for five days.  Patches of blueish-green patina will start appearing after a few days. Leave the item to dry in the air for a further three to four days for the patina to fully develop. When you are staisfied with the level of patina, you can apply layer of wax to finish it.

Some people prefer a clean shiny look to their brass candlesticks and do their best to keep a patina from forming.  You can experiment with different effects and styles. If you are creating gifts, bear in mind that not everyone likes the tarnished brass look.

Creating An Antique Brass Finish:

An antique brass finish can be applied on ordinary item of iron and steel as well to give it a beautiful look.

You can clean the steel pieces properly with Surclean-400 Metal Conditioner and then rinse thoroughly with water and dry.  Antique Bronze solution can be purchased from art and craft stores.  You can dip the article in the solution for 30-40 seconds or paint it on with a brush. To get a textured effect you can apply steel wool over parts of the item. Rinse and dry again.  Then dip into a Golden Steel-5 for 30 - 40 seconds.  Let the article dry throughly for 2-3 hours. If you want to lighten the colour in parts, just dab off areas with a damp cloth. When thouroughly dry and clean spray evenly with a semi gloss lacquer. 

You can create beautiful gift items with these techniques, or you can turn an old wrought iron gate or firescreen into a classical piece by giving it an antique brass finish.