Replies

1. 
   DougF | Jun 04, 2005 03:18pm | #1

   If it is real brass, they may be coated with a anti-oxidizing top coat such as lacquer.  The problem you will have is that anything you use will also come in contact with the leather and will probably harm it.  You could carefully remove them, remove the coating if there is one and then age them using patina etching fluid - it is a mild acid wash - from a stained glass supplier.  Alternatively, if you do remove the tacks, you should be able to find antique brass tacks from upholstery suppliers.  Try a Google search.

   
   

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   Edited 6/4/2005 8:20 am ET by Doug

1. 
   giametti | Jun 04, 2005 03:59pm | #2

   Doug's suggestion is the best course. Otherwise, buy a can of shading lacquer, like Behlen's Dark Walnut or Van Dyke Brown, found at Woodcraft. Spray some into the cap or any small dish, and dab it on with an artist's brush. It'll take a while to do, but you won't have to remove the tacks. Build up the color in a few applications for best results.

2. 
   highfigh | Jun 04, 2005 04:25pm | #3

   In some cases, the nails(are they the big domed ones or do they look hammered?) are actually connected in a strip so they go on straight. If you get a tack remover and are careful, you can remove the bright ones and "age" them. Or, any upholstery supplier or some craft stores can get whatever patina you want.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
3. 
   Handrubbed | Jun 04, 2005 09:08pm | #4

   Look up model railroading in the Yellow Pages; ask the hobby store that you call for "Blacken-It".  This is a blue-colored liquid that darkens brass...anything from dull through brown, to black, depending on how long you leave it on.  It works best if you can submerge the object in the liquid.  I use it all the time on my mission hardware.  This is used in model railroading to age metal.   Gunsmiths also use it.  Hobbytown is a good source.

1. 
   Jimma | Jun 04, 2005 09:17pm | #5

   I know for a fact that Frank Lloyd Wright used to have his apprentices pee on new copper and brass to give it a "weathered" look. So, maybe you could fine tune your aim and give it a go. Please let us know how this works out ....

1. 
   Handrubbed | Jun 04, 2005 09:40pm | #6

   I heard that if lightning strikes the metal while you're peeing on it that the electricity will travel right up the stream.....and that smarts!

   Edited 6/4/2005 2:46 pm ET by Quartersawn

1. 
   Jimma | Jun 04, 2005 10:55pm | #9

   Haven't you ever heard the expression "sacared the pee out of him"? That's when you start, but quit at the first warning shot.Edited 6/4/2005 3:57 pm ET by JimMacMahon

   Edited 6/4/2005 3:59 pm ET by JimMacMahon

1. 
   Dustmight | Jun 05, 2005 03:47am | #10

   Well Jim, I took your advice and pee'd on the new leather chair. Worked like a charm, but my wife got pissed when she saw what I was doing......guess it's my chair now!

2. 
   lwj2 | Jun 05, 2005 04:23am | #12

   roflmaoLeon Jester

3. 
   MarkRD | Jun 05, 2005 03:50am | #11

   I have a theory that pee will break down urethane glue that's dried on your hands (uric acid and urethane are of similar chemical background).Anyone want to pee on their fingers and test it?MarkActually, I have some chunks of urethane glue.. I've got to go:-)

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

   View Image

2. 
   Handrubbed | Jun 04, 2005 10:48pm | #8

   Makes you wonder what Frank Lloyd was feeding his apprentices.

    

4. 
   patternmaker | Jun 04, 2005 10:38pm | #7

   Knot Scott.
   Brass that is uncoated can be "aged"by immersing in a vinegar solution. After the desired color is attained,be sure to rinse thoroughly.
   Work safely.¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬PAT¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

   Thank you,Mr.Croney,where ever you may be.

   Work safely ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬PAT¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬

5. 
   PaDutchman | Jun 05, 2005 04:44am | #13

         If there's a clear coat on them you'll have to strip that off first. Then suspend them in a container with a small amount of ammonia in the bottom. After a very short time, the brass will get an aged appearance. If you leave it in too long it will turn black (you can always steel wool or buff it off if it's overdone).

   Scott

6. 
   KeithNewton | Jun 05, 2005 07:07am | #14

   Here is a source for more than you will ever need, and you don't have to worry about your wife putting you out or chaining you to the back-yard fence for the night.

   http://www.sculpt.com/

1. 
   Dustmight | Jun 05, 2005 02:13pm | #15

   Thanks! I never dreamed such a mundane subject would take a "left" turn like that! (LOL!)

1. 
   Jimma | Jun 05, 2005 07:03pm | #16

   Glad I could help. Now, if you squirt some amonia on what's left of that leather chair, it will either rot off the bad places or signal your wife it ain't over. Take your pick....

7. 
   WillGeorge | Jun 05, 2005 10:54pm | #17

   Let the Grandkids play on it..  That spit works wonders!

8. 
   alias | Jun 06, 2005 01:39am | #18

   these are some of the products we use in the restoration business. they are varied and dependable,

   http://www.jaxchemical.com/products.html

   ..

   " He who makes a beast out of one's self, get's rid of the pain of being a man"