New lead glazing bars are too shiny

Nebbit

We have just had two window units replaced and I have found after the job was done that the glazing bars are too shiny so they don't match the old ones. See picture. Are they likely to stay like this or will the shine wear off in a short time?

pmartin86

Is it actualy lead? If so, Lead tarnished quite quickly when exposed to air, id imagine they will "grey" quite quickly.

Nebbit

They do appear to be real lead and were described as such by the installer, so I hope all will be well. Thank you. 

FrugaiMacDugal

If it's lead you should be able to easily scratch it with a pin and get a shiny 'scratch', test on a hidden spot that won't be noticed, doesn't need to be a massive scratch.

Grenage

Normally one would use patination oil on lead to speed up the effect.

Nebbit

FrugaiMacDugal said:

If it's lead you should be able to easily scratch it with a pin and get a shiny 'scratch', test on a hidden spot that won't be noticed, doesn't need to be a massive scratch.

Yes this works and I can even scratch it with a fingernail. Thank you

FrugaiMacDugal

Nebbit said:

FrugaiMacDugal said:

If it's lead you should be able to easily scratch it with a pin and get a shiny 'scratch', test on a hidden spot that won't be noticed, doesn't need to be a massive scratch.

Yes this works and I can even scratch it with a fingernail. Thank you

Good, will dull eventually.