Comments on: How to Tone Down Red Brass Chain?

By: Julie Leake

Julie Leake — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 11:15:14 +0000

Hi there, I’m from SLC Utah too!, have you tried using Vintaj paints, from “Ranger” just to highlight the edges? I have used many patinas, I am currently trying Prima marketing in bloom and others, also Modern Masters has a great line as well, have fun!

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 17:01:09 +0000

In reply to Ludwika Lipińska. Ludwika, your English is perfect! And thank you for your technique. :)

By: Ludwika Lipińska

Ludwika Lipińska — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 12:20:57 +0000

I use hot solution of liver of sulfur – brass chain turn into dark brown (colour is darker if I rinse chain in hot water before patination). After patination I rinse it in backing soda solution and water. I can send you a picture.

Ludwika

Sorry for my English (:…

By: Johanna

Johanna — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 05:51:21 +0000

The “Bright Dip” that Judy recommended above is also known as “Super Pickle”, It’s acidic, so it’s a good idea to dip your chain in a strong baking soda and water solution, then rinse with plain water after using it. This will neutralize any acid left between the links of the chain.

By: MyCarolAnne

MyCarolAnne — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 17:16:30 +0000

Brass comes in both a red and a yellow color of metal. Check that you are purchasing the yellow color of metal and it may match your other items a little better. Not all manufacturers produce wire in the same hue, but the yellow brass does match without so much work.

By: Judy Bjorkman

Judy Bjorkman — Tue, 17 Oct 2017 12:30:53 +0000

Amanda, it sounds like your “red” chain has gotten oxidized (before you got it). There are a couple of options. (1) Try rubbing it firmly with OOOO (=4/0) steel wool (the finest) and see if it looks OK.
(2) Or, make up some “bright dip,” using sodium bisulfate (available in pool stores as “PH Down”). Dissolve some of this in water, and add some hydrogen peroxide (available in the drug store). Sorry I can’t give you exact measurements on this, but you will know if you have the right ratio if, after letting the chain sit for a short while in this solution, tiny bubbles appear on the chain’s surface. It shouldn’t take long for the red to fade away. Then rinse the chain well and dry it. If it seems a little dull, rub it with the steel wool.
This solution is not particularly dangerous but , obviously, don’t let children use it. If it ceases to work well, add a little more hydrogen peroxide. If you want to throw it out, neutralize it with baking soda, and add a lot of water before doing so.
I hope you enjoy working with brass as much as I do!