How to Turn Shiny Brass to Antique Brass

Clean your brass object to make sure it is free of dirt, dust, grease and debris. To do this, wash it in warm, soapy water and dry it with a clean soft cloth.

Remove lacquer finish or varnish from the brass object if needed by soaking it in lacquer thinner overnight or paint on a coat of acetone nail polish remover and soak the piece in boiling water. Dry the brass object with a clean, soft cloth.

Make a solution of 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 cup of vinegar. Use a clean paintbrush to cover the brass piece with this solution. This mixture will cause the brass to oxidize, which is the process that occurs over time that makes brass tarnish.

Leave the mixture of salt and vinegar on your brass object overnight. Rinse it clean and dry it with a soft cloth. If it looks as you want it to look, your work is finished. You can also repeat the process if the piece still doesn't look antique.

Soak a rag in clear ammonia. Put the rag on one end of a plastic container and put the brass piece on the other. The two items should not be touching. Close the lid tightly so the vapors do not escape the container. Leave the item in the container outside or in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves during this process to protect your skin. The vapor from the ammonia causes the brass to take on an aged appearance. Check the brass item frequently and take it out for good when it reaches the desired look. You can use ammonia in addition to or in place of the salt and vinegar method.