Priory Polishes Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid (Tourmaline) is used for the colouring and ageing of Copper, Brass, Bronze. It is easy to use and ideal in antique restoration. By a simple technique metals can be coloured with a layer of oxide, a few micron thick to provide an antique-like patina finish.
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Priory Polishes Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid, also known as Brown Tourmaline, is a specialist cold patination treatment for colouring and ageing brass, copper and bronze.
It is designed to transform bright, new-looking metal into a medium brown antique-style patina, making it particularly useful for antique restoration, furniture hardware, decorative metalwork and creating an aged appearance on new metal.
The fluid reacts with the surface of the metal, creating a very thin oxide layer that changes the colour and appearance of the surface. The result can then be sealed with wax, protective oil or lacquer.
Brown Tourmaline is ideal when you want an aged brown metal finish rather than the darker appearance produced by our Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid.
Brown Tourmaline is particularly useful when you want new metal to blend more naturally with an antique piece rather than leaving it with a bright, newly polished appearance.
Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid is intended for copper, brass and bronze.
The Brown formulation is different from the Black version. Brown Tourmaline is specifically intended for copper, brass and bronze. For zinc or mild steel, use the Black version instead.
Do not use Brown Antiquing Fluid on stainless steel or aluminium.
Brown Tourmaline is particularly effective for ageing new brass and creating an antique appearance on bright brass fittings.
It can be used on suitable items such as:
The treatment can make new brass look more naturally aged and better suited to antique furniture, traditional interiors and restoration projects.
Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid can be used to transform bright copper into a warmer, aged brown antique finish.
This is particularly useful where a newly polished copper surface looks too bright or modern and you want it to better complement an antique or traditional setting.
The colour develops quickly, so monitor the surface carefully and rinse the metal as soon as the desired shade has been reached.
Brown Tourmaline can also be used to create an aged appearance on bronze.
Because bronze is available in many different alloys, the final colour can vary from one item to another. Surface preparation, the existing condition of the metal and the concentration of the solution will also affect the finished result.
Always test the product on a spare piece or an inconspicuous area before treating an important restoration item.
Brown Antiquing Patination Fluid is useful for both restoration and decorative metal finishing.
Typical applications include:
Priory Polishes also offers a Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid where a darker finish is required.
Thorough preparation is essential for an even and predictable patina.
Any existing lacquer, grease, oil or fingerprints can prevent the solution from reacting evenly with the metal.
Once the metal has been prepared, avoid touching the surface unnecessarily. Oils from your hands can affect the final patination.
Brown Tourmaline can be applied in two main ways: diluted immersion or direct application.
For immersion, dilute the antiquing fluid with 10 parts water. This provides greater control and is particularly useful when treating more than one item and a uniform colour is required.
The longer the metal remains in the solution, the darker the colour will generally become. Monitor the surface carefully rather than leaving the item unattended.
For a stronger or darker effect, the fluid can be applied directly to the metal using cotton wool or a brush. The colour will develop quickly, giving you close control over the finished shade.
Always rinse immediately once the desired colour has been achieved.
The immersion method is particularly useful when treating several similar fittings because it can help produce a more uniform colour across the pieces.
If you require a stronger or darker brown finish, Brown Tourmaline can be applied directly to the prepared metal.
Direct application is particularly useful where you want to control individual areas or create a deeper colour than a diluted immersion treatment provides. Direct application is more difficult to create a uniform finish.
Once the desired colour has been achieved, rinse the metal thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.
It is important that the surface is fully dry before applying a finish, as residual moisture can react with the protective coating.
The finished patina can be protected using:
Priory Polishes Jade Oil is particularly useful as a protective finish or before waxing. It helps displace moisture from the metal and provides protection against future tarnishing.
A wax finish can provide a more traditional appearance and add a pleasant sheen, while a suitable metal lacquer can provide a more durable protective coating where appropriate.
Priory Polishes offers two shades of Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid: Brown and Black.
| Brown Tourmaline | Black Tourmaline |
|---|---|
| Medium brown antique finish | Darker blackened antique finish |
| Brass | Brass |
| Copper | Copper |
| Bronze | Bronze |
| Not intended for zinc or mild steel | Can also be used on zinc and mild steel |
Choose Brown Tourmaline when you want a warmer, medium-brown aged appearance. Choose Black Tourmaline when you need a darker finish or are working with zinc or mild steel.
View Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a cold patination treatment used to colour and age brass, copper and bronze, creating a medium brown antique-style finish.
Brown Tourmaline is another name for Priory Polishes Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid. It reacts with the surface of suitable metals to create an aged oxide patina.
Yes. It is particularly useful for ageing bright or new brass fittings and creating an antique appearance on cabinet hardware, handles, locks and decorative brass objects.
Yes. It is suitable for copper and can create a warm, aged brown appearance.
Yes. Brown Tourmaline can be used on suitable bronze surfaces. Always test first because different bronze alloys can react differently.
No. This is not suitable for Lead, but we do offer Antiquing Fluid for Lead and Pewter.
No. The Brown formulation is intended for copper, brass and bronze. For mild steel, use the Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid.
No. For zinc, use the Black version instead.
No. Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid is not recommended for stainless steel.
No. Aluminium is not a recommended surface for this product.
For an immersion treatment, dilute the product with 10 parts water. This is particularly useful when treating several items and aiming for a more uniform colour.
Yes. The fluid can be applied directly to prepared brass, copper or bronze using cotton wool or a brush when a stronger or darker effect is required.
The reaction can be very quick, particularly when the fluid is applied directly. Watch the surface carefully and rinse as soon as the desired colour has been achieved.
Grease, oil, fingerprints and existing coatings can prevent the antiquing fluid from reacting evenly with the metal and can lead to patchy results.
The patination fluid needs to contact the metal surface. Existing lacquer or another coating can prevent the solution from working correctly.
Gently agitate the item while it is immersed. This helps prevent tiny air bubbles from creating high spots or uneven areas.
Rinse the treated metal immediately with clean water once the desired colour has been achieved, dry and seal.
Once the metal has been thoroughly rinsed and completely dried, it can be protected with Jade Oil, wax or a suitable metal lacquer.
Yes. Dilution gives you greater control over the strength of the treatment. A weaker solution can produce a lighter result, while longer treatment or direct application can produce a deeper colour.
No. The final result can vary according to the alloy, surface preparation, existing condition, dilution and application method. Always test first.
Brown Tourmaline creates a medium brown antique finish and is intended for copper, brass and bronze. Black Tourmaline creates a darker finish and can also be used on zinc and mild steel.
Please Note
Health & Safety
Important: Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid contains nitric acid and must be handled with appropriate care. Read the Safety Data Sheet and product label before use. Wear suitable chemical-resistant protective gloves. Wear suitable protective clothing. Wear appropriate eye protection. Use in a well-ventilated area. Avoid breathing vapour, mist or spray. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from food, drink and animal feed. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Store the product safely in accordance with the current Safety Data Sheet. Do not allow the product or contaminated liquid to enter drains or watercourses. If exposure occurs, follow the first-aid instructions in the Safety Data Sheet and seek medical attention where required.
Safety Data Sheet
View Safety Data Sheet – Brown Tourmaline / Antiquing Patination Fluid
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