How do you age Nickel Covers to look like Antiquities?

[Gearjoneser]

Does anyone know the best way to create the tarnished look on new nickel covers? ......like the same method Duncan uses for their Antiquities? (I know, besides using them!"

The ideas I've had are to leave them in a greenhouse or garden, with lots of moisture.

Maybe leave them on the window sill in your shower for a few months?

Any other ideas?

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: How do you age Nickel Covers to look like Antiquities?

Maybe submerge them in an acidic solution to simulate sweat?

 

[John Wymore]

Re: How do you age Nickel Covers to look like Antiquities?

I have used a small rock tumbler/polisher filled with salt water and and some course dirt to age parts. Check the progress every few hours and run as long as needed to get the desired effect.

Other things I have heard of is using circuit board etching compound but you have to really watch this because it happens fast or just spraying them with salt water and keeping them in a warm spot.

 

[Simon_F]

Re: How do you age Nickel Covers to look like Antiquities?

When this question was posted once before I'm sure someone suggested using urine. Kinda makes sense, but I haven't tried it myself. :scratchch

You should treat yourself to some Antiquities sometime. They sound even better than they look.

 

[Guest]

Re: How do you age Nickel Covers to look like Antiquities?

Can't you get ureic (sp?) acid? The salt and the bathroom idea make sense.

Don't know but you could use vinagre. always heard that if you subject a metal to it it will distress it (like mustard... you might try that, the thing is how to get rid of the smell LOL). I may be way off, just thinking off the top of my head as usual.

My suggestion: Burn them!

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: How do you age Nickel Covers to look like Antiquities?

Aged nickel is interesting, tho it always struck me as looking a bit like an old refrigerator or stove!!

They are definitely chemically treated to get that look.

 

[bungalowbill]

Re: How do you age Nickel Covers to look like Antiquities?

Maybe you could suspend them in or over a pot of boiling saltwater. I think the salt would act as a mild abrasive and the moisture might do the rest. Just a random thought.

 

[big_black]

Re: How do you age Nickel Covers to look like Antiquities?

I have used a small rock tumbler/polisher filled with salt water and and some course dirt to age parts. Check the progress every few hours and run as long as needed to get the desired effect.

Sounds like the best idea. You want to scratch them ever so slightly as well the tarnish.