How to Darken Brass Furniture Nails

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil on the stove. Add brass furniture nails and boil for several minutes. The boiling hot water should remove any protective coat or clear coating applied to the nails by the manufacturer.

Remove the brass nails from the water and dry. Pour acetone on a soft cloth and rub the cloth over all areas of the nail. The acetone removes any protective coating or varnish still left on the brass nails, and gives the nails a smooth surface.

Rub each nail with rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol removes any dirt or other debris stuck on the brass without damaging the metal. Rubbing alcohol naturally evaporates into the air and does not require any rinsing of the metal.

Set the brass nails on a cookie sheet and bake at a low temperature for five to 10 minutes, just warming up the metal. Paint a thin layer of vinegar on each nail and let sit until the vinegar dries. Check the color, and if you want a darker look, then apply another layer of vinegar. Keep painting the vinegar on the brass until you reach the desired darkness.

Dip a microfiber cloth in prepared beeswax and rub the beeswax on each nail. Gently rub the beeswax onto the metal, and buff off any excess wax with the clean side of the cloth. The beeswax forms a protective coating on top of the brass.