Aging Stainless Steel

Flattery · Post by **Flattery** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 8:22 pm

Hey folks.

I've a couple of stainless steel (matte) buckles that I want to artificially age, but I don't want to take sandpaper or steel wool to them -- they've already a few scratches on them and it doesn't look natural at all.

Anyone here have experience/suggestions in distressing such a metal, giving it a weathered look without scratching it up? I'm looking for a "slightly dirty, old metal" appearance, and I can't get my mind to work for me as far as how to accomplish this.

Cheers!

JEEP · Post by **JEEP** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 6:06 am

If they are stainless steel all the way through - and not just nickeled (many "stainless steel" buckles are in fact just nickeled brass or copper) - you can make a mix of salt and vinegar and let the buckles stay in that overnight (or untill they have reached the intended appearance), wash with water afterwards - if the buckle keeps oxydating after the wash put the buckle in milk for a couple of houers and wash with water - that should stop the process.

/Jakob

ob1al · Post by **ob1al** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 9:40 am

Artists acrylic paints - try burnt umber and black.

Apply it with a small artists brush, remember less is more.

If you screw up or just get sick of the look, you can scrub it off later.

Flattery · Post by **Flattery** » Sun Apr 15, 2007 3:35 pm

Thanks, gentlemen. Much appreciated.

I think I'll try both methods on each buckle and see which I like the best.

mufflowne · Post by **mufflowne** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 1:53 am

I'd forget Acrylics. They look cheap and they rub off.

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 2:29 am

JEEP wrote:you can make a mix of salt and vinegar and let the buckles stay in that overnight

And while they're in there, toss some chips in there and when your buckles are done you'll have some snacks!

I took some medium sandpaper and scratched up my buckles and I think they look decent... maybe I'll post pics.

In Christ,
Shane