Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid

Description

Priory Polishes Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid, also known as Black Tourmaline, is a specialist cold patination treatment used to colour and age metal, creating a dark antique-style finish.

It is particularly effective on brass, copper and bronze, making it ideal for antique restoration, furniture hardware, decorative metalwork and creating an aged appearance on new or bright metal. This solution will also darken non ferrous metals and Mild Steel (see details below). For Lead, we also stock an Antiquing Fluid for Lead and Pewter.

The fluid reacts with the surface of the metal to create a thin coloured oxide layer, changing bright, new-looking metal into a darker, aged finish. The result can then be sealed with wax, protective oil or lacquer.

Black Tourmaline is designed to produce a dark finish. If you are looking for a lighter brown antique effect, see our Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid.

• Why Choose Black Tourmaline Patination Fluid?
• What Metals Can It Be Used On?
• Ageing Brass & Brass Fittings
• Creating an Aged Copper Finish
• Antiquing Bronze
• Mild Steel & Zinc
• Preparing the Metal
• How to Use Black Antiquing Fluid
• Immersion Method for an Even Finish
• Direct Application for a Darker Finish
• Sealing & Protecting the Patina
• Black vs Brown Antiquing Fluid
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Please Note
• Health & Safety
• Safety Data Sheet

---

Why Choose Black Tourmaline Patination Fluid?

• Creates a dark, antique-style patina on suitable metals.
• Ideal for ageing new or bright brass and copper.
• Suitable for brass, copper and bronze.
• Can also have an effect on mild steel and zinc.
• Fast-acting surface treatment.
• Can be applied by immersion or directly with a brush or cotton wool.
• Dilution allows greater control and more even colouring.
• Suitable for antique restoration and decorative metal finishing.
• Available in 250ml, 500ml, 1 Litre and 5 Litre sizes.

The Black Tourmaline formulation is particularly useful when a dark aged metal finish is required rather than simply cleaning or polishing the existing surface.

---

What Metals Can It Be Used On?

Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid is primarily intended for brass, copper and bronze. It can also have an effect on mild steel and zinc, although these metals may not develop the same black colour as non-ferrous metals.

---

Suitable Uses

Used to colour and age –

• Brass
• Copper
• Bronze
• Mild steel
• Zinc
• Suitable metal furniture fittings
• Decorative metal components
• Antique-style hardware

The final colour depends on the metal, its preparation and the method of application. Always carry out a test first before treating the complete item.

Do not use this product on nickel, stainless steel or aluminium.

---

Ageing Brass & Brass Fittings

Black Tourmaline is particularly useful for ageing new brass fittings and making modern-looking hardware better suited to antique furniture and traditional interiors.

It can be used to create an aged appearance on items such as:

• Brass cabinet handles
• Cabinet locks and fittings
• Door furniture
• Brass hinges
• Furniture hardware
• Brass castors
• Decorative brass components
• Small restoration components

The treatment can help new, bright brass better match the appearance of an older piece of furniture or antique fitting.

---

Creating an Aged Copper Finish

Black Antiquing Patination Fluid can also be used to create a darker, aged appearance on copper.

This can be particularly useful when restoring or making decorative copper fittings, handles and other metal objects where a bright new copper finish is not appropriate.

Because copper reacts quickly with the treatment, carefully monitor the surface and rinse as soon as the desired colour has been achieved.

---

Antiquing Bronze

Black Tourmaline can be used on suitable bronze surfaces to produce a darker aged appearance.

Bronze alloys can vary considerably, so the final colour and reaction can differ between items. Always test on a spare piece or an inconspicuous area before treating an important or valuable object.

---

Mild Steel & Zinc

The Black formulation can also have an effect on mild steel and zinc. However, these metals may not produce the same deep black finish obtained on brass, copper or bronze.

Zinc will usually develop a grey tone rather than a true black finish. Galvanised steel may also produce a grey result rather than black.

For this reason, always test the product on the actual metal before starting a larger project.

---

Preparing the Metal

Good preparation is essential for an even patina. Any lacquer, grease, oil, fingerprints or other contamination can prevent the fluid from reacting evenly with the metal.

1. Remove any existing metal lacquer or protective coating using a suitable paint stripper or solvent.
2. Thoroughly remove all grease and oil from the surface.
3. Pay particular attention to fingerprints, as skin oils can affect the final colour.
4. Use 0000 ultra fine steel wool if required to clean and lightly prepare the metal.
5. Use Metal Pre-Treatment and then wash with water.
6. Ensure the surface is clean and ready for treatment before applying the antiquing fluid.

Do not handle the prepared surface unnecessarily before treatment, as fingerprints can interfere with the patination process.

---

How to Use Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid

There are two main ways to apply Black Tourmaline: diluted immersion or direct application.

Standard Dilution

For immersion, dilute the antiquing fluid with 10 parts water. This method is particularly useful when treating several pieces and helps produce a more uniform colour.

Once the metal is immersed, monitor the colour closely. The reaction can be rapid, so do not leave the item unattended.

---

Immersion Method for a More Even Finish

1. Prepare and thoroughly degrease the metal.
2. Dilute the Black Antiquing Patination Fluid with 10 parts water.
3. Place the item into the diluted solution.
4. Agitate the item gently while immersed.
5. Agitation helps prevent small air bubbles from creating high spots or uneven areas.
6. Watch the surface as the colour develops.
7. As soon as the desired colour is achieved, remove the item.
8. Rinse immediately with clean water.
9. Pat dry with a clean cotton cloth or paper towel.
10. Use warm air, such as a hair dryer on a suitable low setting, to ensure the item is completely dry.

The immersion method is particularly useful when treating multiple identical fittings because it can help achieve a more consistent colour across the pieces.

---

Direct Application for a Darker Finish

For a stronger or darker effect, the antiquing fluid can be applied directly to the metal using cotton wool or a suitable brush.

1. Ensure the metal is completely clean and free from grease and lacquer.
2. Apply the fluid directly to the surface.
3. Watch the metal closely as the colour develops.
4. Work evenly across the surface.
5. Rinse immediately when the desired colour has been achieved.
6. Pat dry with a clean cotton cloth or paper towel.
7. Ensure the item is completely dry before applying a protective finish.

Direct application gives you greater control over individual areas and can be useful when a complete immersion is impractical. Direct application is more difficult to create a uniform finish.

---

Sealing & Protecting the Patina

Once the desired colour has been achieved, the treated metal should be rinsed thoroughly and completely dried.

The finished surface can then be protected with a suitable:

• Wax finish
• Protective metal oil
• Jade Oil
• Suitable metal lacquer

Priory Polishes Jade Oil is particularly useful where a protective oil finish is required. It can help protect the finished metal and add a subtle sheen.

Wax can also be used where a more traditional finish is required.

---

Black vs Brown Antiquing Fluid

Priory Polishes offers both Black and Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid.

Black Tourmaline is the better choice when you want a dark, blackened or deep aged appearance. It can be used on copper, brass and bronze and can also have an effect on mild steel and zinc.

Brown Antiquing Fluid is designed to produce a lighter brown antique effect and is intended for copper, brass and bronze.

If you are unsure which colour will suit your project, always test both on a spare piece of the same metal where possible.

View Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid used for?

It is used to darken and age suitable metal surfaces, creating an antique-style patina. It is particularly effective on brass, copper and bronze.

What is Black Tourmaline?

Black Tourmaline is another name used for Priory Polishes Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid. It is a cold patination treatment for creating a dark aged finish on suitable metals.

Can I use it to blacken brass?

Yes. Black Tourmaline is particularly suitable for darkening brass and is commonly used to age new brass fittings and hardware.

Can I use it on copper?

Yes. It can create a dark aged patina on copper. Monitor the reaction closely and rinse as soon as the desired colour is reached.

Can I use it on bronze?

Yes. It can be used on suitable bronze surfaces to create a darker aged appearance. Always test first because bronze alloys can vary.

Can it be used on mild steel?

Yes, the Black formulation can have an effect on mild steel. However, it may produce a grey rather than a true black finish.

Can it be used on zinc?

Yes, but zinc will usually develop a grey tone rather than a black finish.

Can I use it on stainless steel?

No. Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid is not recommended for stainless steel.

Can I use it on aluminium?

No. Aluminium is not a recommended surface for this product.

How do I dilute Black Antiquing Fluid?

For immersion, dilute the antiquing fluid with 10 parts water. This is recommended when treating multiple items or when an even colour is required.

Can I apply it neat?

Yes. For a stronger or darker effect, the fluid can be applied directly to the metal using cotton wool or a brush. Watch the reaction closely and rinse as soon as the desired colour is achieved.

Why do I need to remove lacquer first?

The antiquing fluid needs to contact the metal surface. Existing lacquer or another coating can prevent the solution from reacting correctly and may result in an uneven or unsuccessful finish.

Why should I remove fingerprints before using it?

Fingerprints contain oils that can interfere with the patination process and cause uneven colouring. The metal should be thoroughly degreased before treatment.

How do I stop air bubbles causing marks?

When using the immersion method, gently agitate the item while it is submerged. This helps dislodge tiny air bubbles that can otherwise leave high spots or bright areas.

How do I stop the colour developing further?

Rinse the item immediately with clean water once the desired colour has been achieved. Then dry it thoroughly and seal.

Can I protect the finished patina?

Yes. Once thoroughly rinsed and completely dry, the surface can be sealed with a suitable wax, protective oil such as Jade Oil, or appropriate lacquer.

Will every piece of metal turn exactly the same colour?

No. The final appearance can vary according to the metal alloy, preparation, surface condition, dilution and application method. Always test first.

Is Black Antiquing Fluid the same as the Brown version?

No. The Black formulation produces a darker finish. The Brown version is intended to create a lighter brown antique appearance on copper, brass and bronze.

---

Please Note

• Always test on a spare piece or inconspicuous area before treating the complete item.
• Results vary depending on the metal, alloy, preparation and application method.
• Remove all lacquer, grease, oil and fingerprints before treatment.
• Do not use on nickel, stainless steel or aluminium.
• Zinc and galvanised steel will generally produce a grey tone rather than black.
• Rinse immediately once the desired colour has been achieved.
• Ensure the treated metal is completely dry before applying a protective finish.
• Keep the product tightly closed and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from light and contamination.

---

Health & Safety

Important: Black Tourmaline is a hazardous chemical and must be handled with appropriate care. Danger: toxic if swallowed. Toxic if inhaled. May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Do not breathe vapour, mist or spray. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wear suitable chemical-resistant protective gloves. Wear appropriate protective clothing. Wear tightly fitting safety goggles. Ensure adequate ventilation during use. Use suitable respiratory protection where exposure may exceed the relevant limits. Keep away from food, drink and animal feed. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Do not allow the product or contaminated wash water to enter drains, surface water or watercourses. If swallowed or inhaled, seek medical attention immediately and follow the first-aid instructions in the Safety Data Sheet.

---

Safety Data Sheet

View Safety Data Sheet – Black Tourmaline / Antiquing Patination Fluid