Making new brass hinges look old

Careful_with_that_Axe

I have an old wood cabinet that I am planning to restore, but the hinges need to be replaced. I have bought some new ones, but as they are new brass they are going to look a bit out of place.

Does anyone know how I can easily (and cheaply) age them please?

Many thanks

DVardysShadow

Check if they are varnished - sometimes brass is, to keep it new looking. Remove the varnish with paint stripper. Then it will dull quickly enough. You might also want to consider losing the well defined manufactured edges on the exposed parts of the hinge. Use emery cloth, then wire wool, then brass polish to restore a smooth surface. Then let it dull by handling it.

ormus

vinegar. salt. fire. will all age brass.
beware, it only works on real brass.
also copper sulphate will age brass.

make sure you remove any lacquer/varnish off first.

Careful_with_that_Axe

Thank you - they are only really cheap hinges from Wicks. As the cupboard is more for decoration than use, I figure they will be enough.

DVardysShadow

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

Thank you - they are only really cheap hinges from Wicks. As the cupboard is more for decoration than use, I figure they will be enough.

Then take not of ormus's comment. If they are not solid brass, then you are best not using my suggestions - they are probably mild steel underneath.

andrew-b

yep they'll more than likely be electroplated steel so you'll soon be through to the steel. You need to find some solid brass hinges instead.

Careful_with_that_Axe

Yes, I had a look at them and they are Electro brass. May try to source some cheap brass ones or finding another way to treat them so they don't look too out of place.

Thanks for the help and suggestions.

paddy's_mum

How about searching out an old cupboard or wardrobe from a charity furniture shop, house clearance chap or your local dump and see if, for the couple of quid the tatty item may cost, you can salvage the genuinely old brass hinges.

maninthestreet

You can 'antique' brass hinges - they look aged, so not bright and shiny.

Careful_with_that_Axe

paddy's_mum wrote: »

How about searching out an old cupboard or wardrobe from a charity furniture shop, house clearance chap or your local dump and see if, for the couple of quid the tatty item may cost, you can salvage the genuinely old brass hinges.

That's what I was thinking, as the cabinet they are for was a boot sale find and only cost £8. A lovely old pot cupboard with a carved door.
Would be a shame to lose the MSE aspect by shellig out for expenny brass hinges.

DVardysShadow

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

That's what I was thinking, as the cabinet they are for was a boot sale find and only cost £8. A lovely old pot cupboard with a carved door.
Would be a shame to lose the MSE aspect by shellig out for expenny brass hinges.

MSE is about value for money, not about being cheap! If the item merits solid brass hinges and some elbow grease from you, then don't grudge it!