Priory Polishes Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid, also known as Tourmaline is used for the colouring and ageing of Zinc, Mild Steel, Copper, Brass and Bronze.
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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.
The Black Tourmaline formulation is particularly useful when a dark aged metal finish is required rather than simply cleaning or polishing the existing surface.
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.
Used to colour and age –
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.
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:
The treatment can help new, bright brass better match the appearance of an older piece of furniture or antique fitting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do not handle the prepared surface unnecessarily before treatment, as fingerprints can interfere with the patination process.
There are two main ways to apply Black Tourmaline: diluted immersion or direct application.
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.
The immersion method is particularly useful when treating multiple identical fittings because it can help achieve a more consistent colour across the pieces.
For a stronger or darker effect, the antiquing fluid can be applied directly to the metal using cotton wool or a suitable brush.
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.
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:
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.
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
It is used to darken and age suitable metal surfaces, creating an antique-style patina. It is particularly effective on brass, copper and bronze.
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.
Yes. Black Tourmaline is particularly suitable for darkening brass and is commonly used to age new brass fittings and hardware.
Yes. It can create a dark aged patina on copper. Monitor the reaction closely and rinse as soon as the desired colour is reached.
Yes. It can be used on suitable bronze surfaces to create a darker aged appearance. Always test first because bronze alloys can vary.
Yes, the Black formulation can have an effect on mild steel. However, it may produce a grey rather than a true black finish.
Yes, but zinc will usually develop a grey tone rather than a black finish.
No. Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid is not recommended for stainless steel.
No. Aluminium is not a recommended surface for this product.
For immersion, dilute the antiquing fluid with 10 parts water. This is recommended when treating multiple items or when an even colour is required.
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.
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.
Fingerprints contain oils that can interfere with the patination process and cause uneven colouring. The metal should be thoroughly degreased before treatment.
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.
Rinse the item immediately with clean water once the desired colour has been achieved. Then dry it thoroughly and seal.
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.
No. The final appearance can vary according to the metal alloy, preparation, surface condition, dilution and application method. Always test first.
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
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
From our customers
Verified ownerExcellent quality product, I've used this a number of times, it is a good reliable product, a little goes a long way with correct dilution rate.
Verified ownerGreat product, excellent service, arrived very quickly, very happy, many thanks.
Verified ownerBought this fluid to blacken scale model metal tank tracks works very well and about half the price of model specific companies fluids.
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