How to age shiny metal fittings?

[gizmo1990]

You know those awful metal fittings ikea uses? The hexagonal headed bolt things? Is there an easy way to age them? Kind of give them an old antique brass look?
They really spoil the look of some pieces I have. If there was a way to age them it would really help.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[big-all]

take a spare one or one from a non crutial place
try for 24 hrs in brine ' vinegar 'lemon juice'

or paint the head with a coloured varnish to match the material unscrew a few turns drop on a slotted bit off card

non off the above are gaurenteed to work or last but gives you ideas what to try

 

[foxhole]

Hexagonal bolts are a modern fitting so will never look aged.

 

[regsmyth]

I remember once spreading yoghurt on a shiny brass coat hook to dull it (you have to wipe it off after a while), but I don't think it'll work on bzp.

 

[gizmo1990]

Thanks for the replies guys.

big-all, I followed your vinegar suggestion. I scuffed up the heads first with sandpaper then left them in vinegar. The result was a dulling of the metal with a slight yellowish tinge. It's pretty good and fits the wood so much better than the shiny chrome like finish of the original.

I've run them under the tap and am waiting for them to dry now. Very pleased.

 

[gizmo1990]

Just thought I'd ask too, will the corrosive process halt once I've taken the screws out of the vinegar and washed them under water? For instance is there anything else I should be cleaning them with?

 

[big-all]

great glad ot worked

once washed it will be nutralised the tonning down may slowly continue but through oxidation [air damp steel= rust]not brown but black because you have removed the protective layer

just keep your eye on them and if they have reached the maximum you want just coat with clear varnish
but i doubt very much that will happen unless your room is damp