Bringing out designs in brass

[ARES GW]

Just need to know what I can rub on brass that has engravings in it to bring the designs out. Its probably a stupid question but I am still new to all of this, and still be able to return it to its original state if I decide against it. Thanks for any help guys in advance.

Cheers!!

 

[James Kenobi 1138]

I would try BrassBlack.

Rub it over the engraved area so it turns the whole area black, and then polish up the area leaving only the black in the engraved design.

 

[motman241]

If it's an existing piece that is old, I would not add any black to it. The brass naturally ages. So, I would polish and clean it (the higher spots), thus leaving the lower spots naturally darker.

 

[thorssoli]

An old friend of mine has done a lot of modelling work in brass and made some very impressive large-scale models of Holland submarines. His finished pieces all have an amazing black patina that is even more impressive when you consider how fast he gets it.

His secret? Urine.

It's not something I'm about to try, but if it works for you let me know.

 

[acerocket]

An old friend of mine has done a lot of modelling work in brass and made some very impressive large-scale models of Holland submarines. His finished pieces all have an amazing black patina that is even more impressive when you consider how fast he gets it.

His secret? Urine.

It's not something I'm about to try, but if it works for you let me know.

Yes, urine will work but it is a rather unsanitary way to weather brass. I found that clear ammonia works very good also. Put some ammonia in the bottom of a seakabke container and put your part on a shelf or suspend from the lid so the fumes can work on it. Let it weather to desired level and then hit it with some 000 or 0000 steel wool to help bring out some highlights.

 

[Raffles]

Boot polish.

 

[Darth Lars]

The methods I use most often is a "wash" of water-based acrylic paint and then wiping off the excess. The next method I use is a felt-tip pen.
Felt-tip pens often have inks that are alcohol-based, and the one I use has ink that can be easily cleaned off with alcohol -- much easier to get off than dried-up acrylic paint.
You probably have some old pen around in your house. I'd advice that you try it out on a scrap piece of metal first, though, just to be sure.

 

[Vaderman]

Fine point sharpie marker, then polish.
Or, pee on it.

 

[ARES GW]

Thanks guys for all the options, there are some really good ones here. I think I am going to pass on the pee tho....:sick

Thanks again Cheers!!!

 

[franz bolo]

Fine point sharpie marker, then polish.
Or, pee on it.

Sharpie works great but it's a little shiney.

FB