Hi Pc.
here are a couple of links that may provide u with further info
i hope they are able to help u with ur small perplexing problem of tarnishing stainless steel
[a href="vny!://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-176994.html"]
vny!://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-176994.html[/a]
[a href="vny!://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/resources/articles/using_metal_jump_rings.php"]vny!://www.bluebuddhaboutique.com/resources/articles/using_metal_jump_rings.php[/a]
all else fails add some copper penny's and a bit of brass and bronze to some tarnex (sp) put in a bucket of steel immerse ur hinges with the copper after u have sanded them a bit the copper brass and bronze will hopefully oxidize and plate the stainless steel hinges giving them a tarnished look. but i don't know how long or how well this method will work. im not a metallurgist but the tarnx will make ur copper look like new
lol
I'm guessing u want to do something like i have copy and pasted below.
Authentic Bronze Finishes Bronze is a weather resistant alloy which needs minimum care to maintain its shine and beauty. Authentic bronze finishes are imparted using 100% solid bronze. The finishing is done by using a forging process that leaves a rugged texture, thereby lending a distinction to each piece of hardware.
Patina is applied to create a variety of appealing living finishes. For achieving living finishes, some color variation is essential. In order to obtain the antique finish, the natural shades of the oxidizing bronze is exposed to air. The finish thus obtained, enhances the beauty of the hardware item.
Bronze patina is an attractive dark brown finish, while
natural bronze is light golden honey in color.
Silver nickel is yet another authentic bronze finish given to metal hardware items that is sometimes described as white bronze.
Dark bronze is a powder coat finish, usually applied to solid brass. Powder coating is actually a two part finishing technique. Dry powder paint is applied electrostatically to the metal part. In the next step, the part is baked in an oven so that the powder melts and bonds to the surface to form a continuous film. Powder coating creates a strong finish, which on proper maintenance does not crack, chip, or peel. The dark bronze powder coat finish is glossy black in color.
Living Finishes Living finishes are natural finishes without any protective coatings. They are designed to change with the course of time and use. The finish might rub off on continuous usage and darken when not in use. This is considered to be the normal evolution of the finish. No two items with living finishes will be identical and any item or liquid that comes into contact with the finish can affect the color. Living finishes vary with time in color and tone, thus adding character and uniqueness.
some tips on aging copper is all i could find
finding tips on weathering and aging stainless steel r much harder..
good luck pc.
Q.: How do you get a green patina on copper?[/p] A.: There are a few options: [/p][ul][li style="padding-bottom: 5px;"]1. The Slow, Natural Way: Given enough time outdoors, copper will darken and eventually turn green in a few months or years, depending on the weather and local environmental conditions.[/li][li style="padding-bottom: 5px;"]2. The Fast Way: Mix up a solution of regular household ammonia and salt in a plastic spray bottle. The more salt, the harsher the reaction. Spray your solution on the copper gingerly and watch how it reacts. You may want repeated coats or to let it dry between coats, depending on the mixture and your desired outcome. Rinse with water, and dry, to stop the reaction. Be safe! Do this in a well-ventilated area (preferably outside); wear old clothes, rubber gloves and eye protection.
You may achieve a similar outcome using "Liver of Sulfur".[/li][li style="padding-bottom: 5px;"]The Fun Way: Pee on it. No kidding. Urine contains lots of ammonia and salt. This naturally corrosive liquid will raise havoc with copper and turn it green quickly. Put urine in a spray bottle. Use this method to get some good giggles, stories and shock appeal out of your friends and family, but please be discreet and do this one in the privacy of your own home -- no need to scare the neighbors or have to explain what you're doing to the police!
*Note: This is by no means an exact science. You will have to do some experimenting on a few samples first.[/li][li style="padding-bottom: 5px;"]Future Fun: In addition to green, you can turn copper brown, black, blue, red or get a "rainbow" effect. More later.[/li][/ul]
