How to Age Brass Hardware with Kennedy Hardware Brass Ager
If you’ve purchased new brass hardware, you may notice it looks too shiny and doesn’t match the warm, aged patina of your antique furniture. Over time, brass naturally darkens with use, but if you want that authentic antique look today, you can achieve it in just minutes with Kennedy Hardware Brass Ager (M-3).
This step-by-step guide will show you how to create a natural-looking patina on your brass hardware at home.
Why Age Brass Hardware?
Antique furniture often has rich, dark hardware that shows its history. When you replace knobs, hinges, or handles with new brass pieces, the bright finish can stand out awkwardly. Aging brass brings harmony back to your project by blending old and new hardware seamlessly.
Make Sure Your Hardware is Solid Brass
Before starting, make sure your part is solid, unlacquered brass. The Brass Ager will not work on brass plating or lacquered pieces.
- Magnet Test: If a magnet sticks, your part is brass-plated steel or iron, and will not age.
- Lacquer Check: If your brass is lacquered, remove the coating first with acetone.
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Cleaning: Remove fingerprints, dirt, or polish residue. Soap and water or acetone will do the job.
If your part doesn’t change color in the solution, one of the above is usually the reason.
What You’ll Need
- Latex or rubber gloves
- Brass Ager (M-3)
- New unlacquered brass hardware
- 2 plastic or glass containers (large enough to submerge hardware)
- Small non-metal brush (like a toothbrush)
- Paper or shop towels for drying
- Optional: Simichrome Metal Polish (CM-19) or #0000 super fine steel wool for highlighting
Step 1: Prepare the Solution
- Fill one container with enough Brass Ager to completely submerge your part.
- Fill the second container with clean tap water to stop the aging process later.
Step 2: Submerge and Age the Brass
- Put on gloves to protect both your hands and the hardware from fingerprints.
- Place the clean brass piece into the aging solution.
- Agitate gently to remove air bubbles.
- Use your brush to work the solution into grooves and details.
- Watch the magic! The brass will darken quickly.
Pro Tip: Allow the piece to go slightly darker than your final desired color—it will lighten during finishing.
Step 3: Stop the Aging Process
- Remove the hardware from the solution.
- Immediately place it into the container of water to stop the reaction.
- Repeat with any additional pieces.
Step 4: Dry and Polish
- Dry the parts completely with a towel. Expect some of the dark color to rub off—this is normal.
- For a lighter finish or highlights, use:
- Simichrome Polish (CM-19): Rub gently on raised areas to mimic natural wear.
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#0000 Steel Wool: Great for smooth pieces; polish edges or flat surfaces for a worn antique look.
Adjusting the Finish
- Too Light? Repeat the aging process after cleaning off any polish.
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Too Dark? Use polish or steel wool to lighten the hardware until it looks just right.
You’ve now created a living finish—one that will continue to develop character and richness over time, just like hardware that’s aged naturally for a century.
Final Tips
- Always wear gloves and work in a ventilated area.
- Test on a sample piece first if you’re unsure of the final look.
- Each piece will be unique—just like true antiques.
Ready to Try It?
Bring the beauty of antique brass to your furniture projects today:
- Brass Ager (M-3) – Quickly create an authentic patina
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Simichrome Polish (CM-19) – For highlighting and touch-ups
With just a few simple steps, you can transform shiny new brass into timeless hardware with history.
Happy Aging!