Best methods for antique/grungy looks on metals, jewelry wire, & other objects?

[catgirlpink]

Hello,

Can anyone give me their recommendations for the best methods of achieving an antique or grungy look on their steampunk projects?  Especially for metals, including jewelry wire if it has proven possible to age the look of jewelry wire.

I'd like to use jewelry wire to make some coils to apply to jewelry and small objects like bluetooth headsets & earphones.  An older brass sort of look would be preferable, but the readily available jewelry supplies are a bright gold.

I'd love to hear about anyone's methods for aging or dirtying any sort of projects.  Due to my current jewelry project, I'm mainly looking for very durable methods.  I'm familiar with blackwashing items with watered black acrylic, which then needs a clear coat for protection.  I do not know if this would be an acceptable method on jewelry pieces, it seems like it would be preferable if there was something for jewelry pieces in which a clear coat was not necessary.

Thanks!

~ CatGirlPink

[von Corax]

For any sort of grungy or aged look, I think you're almost inevitably going to be dealing with some sort of film or surface deposit which will get polished away through normal handling unless you seal it with some sort of clearcoat. There are several threads on how to do this (both the patina and the sealing) in the How To... board.

[lilibat]

I usually do this by applying a small blow torch to it to burn off the top layer of coating so the metal can oxidize naturally.

[catgirlpink]

Thanks to both of you for the info. 

Lilibat, heat application sounds like a decent shot.  Do you need a torch capable of a certain temperature?  I'm guessing a regular lighter isn't going to do it.  I know someone who has a pocket torch that's about the size & shape of a lighter, but I don't know what temperatures it reaches.
Thanks

~ CatGirlPink

[Sen_Dracko]

I myself use an acid solution that is actually used to solder stuff.
Most people are familiar with it. S39

when you have finnished your metal bits just give them a quick rub with sanding paper and brush onn the acid solution. After doing this wait a few days. You'll  notice that the metal has in most cases turned black from the reaction of the acid with the oxids. Wipe the opject clean with water and a metal brush. Use some sand paper to reach the desired effect and you're done

[Narsil]

Metal patination is a fairly big subject but there are some fairly easy ways to 'distress' metals.

-To get natural looking scuffs and scratches place your object in a container with some sand/gravel/stones and roll it all round for a while. Obviously you need to be a bit careful with more delicate items.

-Lots of foodstuffs contain acids and other chemicals which can patinate the surface of most metals, vinegar, mustard, potatoes, onions and tomatoes are all effective. Once established teh oxides formed will tend to self repair to a certain extent and are probably more durable and natural looking than paint effects.

-Waxes and oils can help to seal the finish and adding pigments will help to bring out the texture. Boiled linseed oil works well on rusted iron and steel and carnuaba wax provides a fairly durable finish to smoother surfaces. Although they won;t last forever they tend to age quite gracefully and are easy to renew, unlike lacquers which tend to chip and scratch in an unattractive way.