There is a clear difference in the visual appearance of old and new metals. Aging metals have tarnish, dents, and visible corrosion. However, if you like the look of aged metal, you do not have to wait for years to get that look. You can recreate the look of aged metal using artistic and artificial techniques. These techniques can help you achieve an aged visual effect on metal that could take years to naturally accomplish.
Sandpaper Rubbing
The quality of the luster is the most indicative difference between antique and new metals. With time, shiny mirror surfaces on new metal wear off and become faded and chalky. Chaffing the metal using a fine sandpaper to scrape its surface will create the faded look on metal within a short time.
Tarnishing
Metal can be given a tarnished look by putting it in an environment that will help create the tarnished look. Tarnish occurs when metal is exposed to oxygen and moisture. This includes moisture present in the air. Wet the metal using salt water and keep it in a humid environment like in a room with poor ventilation or in a potted container. In just a matter of days, the metal will have a coat of tarnish. However, this depends on how moist the environment remains. For galvanized metal, you will have to polish it using some sandpaper or steel wool to get rid of anti rust layering before exposing it to the elements.
Fake Rust
Obtain rust powder from other metals and apply it on your new metal if you want it to have the rusty appearance without necessarily rusting it. Buy iron oxide powder from any ceramic supply dealer and spray it over steel or metal after covering it with spray glue. Remove the effect later by scrubbing the metal with a lacquer remover.
Denting
Creating dings and dents on new metal is one way of bestowing an old look to metal pieces that have been transported or moved frequently. For Guided placement of minor dents, utilize a ball pen hammer. You can use a rubber mallet on large metal pieces.
Blacking
This process involves rubbing a black paint or dye into crevices and cracks to the effect of accumulated tarnish. Apply the dye all over the object with a metal coating equipment. Consider buying dyes specifically designed for this purpose in local home improvement stores. Black acrylic paint is one of the most suitable options for blacking.
