If you've been exploring different brass finishes for your home, you've likely come across unlacquered brass—a living finish prized for its ability to develop a rich, authentic patina over time. Unlike lacquered brass, which is designed to maintain a consistent appearance, unlacquered brass naturally ages through exposure to air, moisture, and everyday handling, creating the character and warmth that many homeowners associate with antique brass.
If you'd like to learn more about how unlacquered brass ages and why it's become one of the most sought-after finishes in interior design, read our guide to What Is Unlacquered Brass and Why Is It So Popular?
For those who love the look of aged brass but don't want to wait years for a natural patina to develop, there's a simple way to accelerate the process at home.
The good news is that you can accelerate the ageing process and achieve a beautiful vintage patina at home using a simple method involving vinegar and salt.
Step 1: Check Your Hardware
Before you begin, it's important to determine whether your existing hardware is lacquered brass or unlacquered brass.
Unlacquered Brass
If your handles are made from unlacquered brass, you're ready to proceed. Because there is no protective coating, the brass can react naturally with the environment and develop a patina.
Lacquered Brass
Most brass hardware sold today is protected with a clear lacquer coating designed to prevent tarnishing and maintain a consistent appearance. If your handles are lacquered, the lacquered must be completely removed before you can age the brass. Read our guide on how to remove the lacquer layer on brass.
If you're purchasing new hardware and know you want an aged brass finish, we recommend choosing unlacquered brass from the outset. It offers greater flexibility and allows you to create a naturally aged appearance over time or accelerate the process yourself.
Step 2: Create an Antique Brass Patina
What You'll Need
- White vinegar
- Salt
- A bucket or sealed container with a lid
- A small bowl, tray, or stand that can sit inside the container
- Your unlacquered brass hardware
The Process
Step 1: Pour enough vinegar into the container to cover the base.
Step 2: Add a generous amount of salt and stir gently.
Step 3: Place the smaller bowl, tray, or stand inside the container. The hardware should sit above the liquid and not come into direct contact with the solution.
Step 4: Arrange your brass handles on the stand.
Step 5: Seal the container with a lid and allow the vinegar and salt fumes to work their magic.
How Long Does It Take?
Most brass hardware will begin showing signs of patina within a few hours. The exact timing depends on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the desired level of ageing.
We recommend checking the handles every hour to monitor the finish and prevent over-ageing.
Why Use Fumes Instead of Applying the Solution Directly?
While some DIY guides suggest applying vinegar and salt directly to brass, we find that using the fumes creates a much more consistent and attractive finish.
Direct application can result in uneven colouring, streaks, and residue build-up. The fume method allows the patina to develop more naturally across the entire surface while making cleanup easier once the process is complete.
Embrace the Beauty of a Living Finish
One of the unique qualities of unlacquered brass is that the ageing process doesn't stop once the hardware is installed. Even after achieving your desired antique finish, the brass will continue to develop subtle character and depth over time.
This evolving appearance is exactly what makes unlacquered brass such a timeless choice for kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes, and furniture throughout the home.
Whether you prefer the bright golden tones of new brass or the rich character of an aged patina, unlacquered brass gives you the freedom to create a finish that is uniquely yours.