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How to Make New Dresser Hardware Finish Look Old

Antique furniture gives an air of confidence that cannot be matched by newer pieces. New furniture pieces in retro styles can, however, create a similar feel in your décor. While new furniture may have the look and feel of old, the hardware often lacks something to be desired. Add a bit of antique charm to a new piece by distressing the bright shiny hardware. There are simple techniques to use to change the look of new hardware inexpensively and with consistent results.

Things You'll Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Paint thinner
  • Quad-zero steel wool
  • 5-gallon bucket with lid
  • Clear ammonia
  • Furniture wax
  • ¾-inch plywood
  • 3 6-inch pieces of 4-by-4-inch scrap wood
  • Jig saw or band saw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the hardware from your dresser. Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the screws typically located on the inside of drawer fronts and inside of doors. Twist the screws back into the holes in the hardware to avoid misplacing any of them.

    • 2

      Bathe the hardware in paint thinner in a bucket for a few minutes before scrubbing the surface with quad-zero steel wool to break down the lacquer finish on the hardware. Allow the hardware to dry thoroughly.

    • 3

      Set the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket on a piece of ¾-inch plywood and draw the outline onto the plywood. Use a jig saw or band saw to cut out the resulting circle.

    • 4

      Cut three scrap pieces of a 4-by-4-inch board to 6 inches long. Stand them on end in the bottom of the bucket. Pour 2 cups of clear ammonia into the bottom of the bucket. Set the plywood circle in on top of the 4-by-4 risers as a shelf. Set pieces of hardware on the shelf until you have covered the surface, leaving an inch or two between pieces.

    • 5

      Replace the lid of the bucket and snap it down tight. Let the hardware stay in the bucket for two hours. The vapors from the ammonia will age the finish of the hardware. Replenish the ammonia every two hours. Change out the hardware with a new batch after four hours.

    • 6

      Apply a coat of furniture wax to the hardware to further deepen the patina. Allow all chemicals to dry thoroughly before re-attaching the hardware. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws back into place.

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