Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid

Description

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.

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

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Why Choose Brown Tourmaline?

• Creates a medium brown antique-style patina.
• Designed for brass, copper and bronze.
• Ideal for ageing bright or new-looking metal.
• Suitable for antique restoration and decorative metal finishing.
• Fast-acting and easy to apply.
• Can be diluted for greater control over the colour.
• Can be applied by immersion or directly to the metal.
• Ideal for ageing furniture fittings and restoration hardware.
• Available in 250ml, 500ml, 1 Litre and 5 Litre sizes.

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.

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What Metals Can Brown Antiquing Fluid Be Used On?

Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid is intended for copper, brass and bronze.

• Brass
• Copper
• Bronze
• Brass furniture fittings
• Copper decorative objects
• Bronze restoration pieces
• Antique-style hardware
• Small decorative metal components

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.

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Ageing Brass & Brass Fittings

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:

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

The treatment can make new brass look more naturally aged and better suited to antique furniture, traditional interiors and restoration projects.

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Creating an Aged Copper Finish

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.

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Creating a Bronze Patina

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.

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Uses for Brown Metal Antiquing Fluid

Brown Antiquing Patination Fluid is useful for both restoration and decorative metal finishing.

Typical applications include:

• Ageing new brass fittings
• Ageing copper handles and fittings
• Creating an antique finish on bronze
• Restoring antique-style cabinet hardware
• Ageing vintage-style castors
• Antiquing cabinet locks
• Creating an aged finish on decorative metal objects
• Matching new metal components to older furniture
• Creating a traditional patina on restoration pieces

Priory Polishes also offers a Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid where a darker finish is required.

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Preparing the Metal

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.

1. Remove any existing lacquer or metal coating using a suitable paint stripper or solvent.
2. Thoroughly remove all grease and oil from the surface.
3. Remove fingerprints and other contamination.
4. Use 0000 ultra fine steel wool to lightly prepare the surface where appropriate.
5. Use Metal Pre-Treatment and then wash with water.
6. Ensure the metal is clean and ready for treatment.

Once the metal has been prepared, avoid touching the surface unnecessarily. Oils from your hands can affect the final patination.

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How to Use Brown Antiquing Fluid

Brown Tourmaline can be applied in two main ways: diluted immersion or direct application.

Diluted 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.

Direct Application

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.

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Immersion Method for a More Even Finish

1. Ensure the brass, copper or bronze is thoroughly clean and free from lacquer.
2. Dilute Brown Antiquing Patination Fluid with 10 parts water.
3. Immerse the metal completely in the diluted solution.
4. Gently agitate the item while immersed.
5. Agitation helps prevent tiny air bubbles creating high spots or uneven areas.
6. Watch the colour developing on the metal.
7. Remove the item when the desired brown shade has been achieved.
8. Rinse immediately with clean water.
9. Pat dry using a clean cotton cloth or paper towel.
10. Use a hair dryer if necessary to ensure the metal is completely dry.

The immersion method is particularly useful when treating several similar fittings because it can help produce a more uniform colour across the pieces.

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Direct Application for a Stronger Finish

If you require a stronger or darker brown finish, Brown Tourmaline can be applied directly to the prepared metal.

1. Prepare and thoroughly degrease the metal.
2. Apply the antiquing fluid directly using cotton wool or a suitable brush.
3. Work evenly across the surface.
4. Watch the colour develop closely.
5. Rinse immediately when the desired shade is reached.
6. Pat dry with a clean cotton cloth or paper towel.
7. Ensure the metal is completely dry before applying a protective finish.

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.

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Sealing & Protecting the Patina

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:

• Jade Oil
• A suitable wax finish
• A suitable metal lacquer

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.

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Brown vs Black Antiquing Fluid

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brown Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid?

It is a cold patination treatment used to colour and age brass, copper and bronze, creating a medium brown antique-style finish.

What is Brown Tourmaline?

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.

Can I use it to age brass?

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.

Can I use Brown Antiquing Fluid on copper?

Yes. It is suitable for copper and can create a warm, aged brown appearance.

Can I use it on bronze?

Yes. Brown Tourmaline can be used on suitable bronze surfaces. Always test first because different bronze alloys can react differently.

Is this suitable for Lead?

No. This is not suitable for Lead, but we do offer Antiquing Fluid for Lead and Pewter.

Can I use Brown Tourmaline on mild steel?

No. The Brown formulation is intended for copper, brass and bronze. For mild steel, use the Black Metal Antiquing Patination Fluid.

Can I use it on zinc?

No. For zinc, use the Black version instead.

Can I use it on stainless steel?

No. Brown 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 Brown Antiquing Fluid?

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.

Can I use it neat?

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.

How quickly does the colour develop?

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.

Why does the metal need to be completely clean?

Grease, oil, fingerprints and existing coatings can prevent the antiquing fluid from reacting evenly with the metal and can lead to patchy results.

Why should I remove lacquer first?

The patination fluid needs to contact the metal surface. Existing lacquer or another coating can prevent the solution from working correctly.

How do I prevent uneven spots when immersing metal?

Gently agitate the item while it is immersed. This helps prevent tiny air bubbles from creating high spots or uneven areas.

How do I stop the patina developing further?

Rinse the treated metal immediately with clean water once the desired colour has been achieved, dry and seal.

How do I protect the finished patina?

Once the metal has been thoroughly rinsed and completely dried, it can be protected with Jade Oil, wax or a suitable metal lacquer.

Can I make the colour lighter?

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.

Will every piece of brass turn exactly the same colour?

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

What is the difference between Brown and Black Antiquing Fluid?

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.

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Please Note

• Always test on a spare piece or inconspicuous area before treating the complete item.
• Brown Tourmaline is intended for copper, brass and bronze.
• For zinc and mild steel, use the Black formulation.
• Do not use on stainless steel or aluminium.
• Remove all existing lacquer, grease, oil and fingerprints before treatment.
• Do not touch the prepared metal unnecessarily before applying the solution.
• The reaction can be rapid, so monitor the colour closely.
• Rinse immediately once the desired colour has been achieved.
• Ensure the metal is completely dry before applying a protective finish.
• Different alloys can produce different results, so testing is essential.

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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.

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Safety Data Sheet

View Safety Data Sheet – Brown Tourmaline / Antiquing Patination Fluid