aging gold?

[MisserCraig]

i've got a US Marines replica cutlass that i'm trying to age from the original bright gold color to a tarnished-brass like color. any suggestions on how to go about this?

 

[Darth Lars]

There are a few threads on aging brass already. People do it for their Obi-Wan ANH lightsabers, for instance.

You could use some Brass Black ("gun blue" and "Aluminum Black" also work to some degree) to darken it, then use some fine steel wool on the "worn" parts.
Another technique is to hang the part in a sealed container over some ammonia in the bottom. The fumes + oxygen in the container do the job.
There are patination liquids available for brass and copper also, but I believe they tend to bring out more of a green patina.

Btw, Real gold does not tarnish easily. That is why it has always been so highly priced through the ages.

 

[Gigatron]

Most art and craft stores sell patina finishes all kinds of metals.

-Fred

 

[penwiper]

I've never tried it on brass, but bleach oxidizes silver beautifully.

Gen

 

[SurferGeek]

Gold is the most non-reactive of all metals and is benign in all natural and industrial environments. Gold never reacts with oxygen (one of the most active elements), which means it will not rust or tarnish. Gold tarnish is very thin and shows up as a darkening of reflecting surfaces.

and

Gold Tarnishing
Possible causes include: (reference)

* Perspiration (everyone's body chemistry is different, hence this is why some are more susceptible than others); for women, the time of the month can influence their body chemistry.
* Perfume, hair or deodorant sprays,
* Tarnishing during storage (storage boxes may contain organic sulfur compounds),
* Leaching of acid/ cleaning solutions from surface microporosity from cast jewelry; this causes corrosion locally (such porosity may even trap perspiration during wear, causing local corrosion)
* Preparation of vegetables such as onions and spices (many foodstuffs contain sulfur compounds and others are also acidic).

Another possible mechanism may be surface micro-porosity on the surface of investment (lost wax) cast items. This porosity may trap acids and other cleaning solutions, sprays, or perspiration and cause a local corrosion which 'creeps' over the surface of the item.

The tarnish films formed are generally harmless although unsightly and may lead to a black smudging of the skin. Such films can be easily polished off by a jeweler to restore the bright gold color.

I've never tried it on brass, but bleach oxidizes silver beautifully.

Gen

I work with gaseous chlorine and it does indeed darken my wedding ring a bit.

 

[Megatron]

an acrylic paint wash would work, but it might take a few coats.
Many have done it to there Pirate coins here.
Also model paint thinned makes a good wash.