Antiquing Hardware

Have you ever built a project where you wanted to use hardware that has the patina of a 100-year-old piece? You can use shiny brand-new hardware on a project like that, but it might stick out like a sore thumb, and nothing screams “rookie woodworker” like using hardware on a woodworking project that doesn’t align to the overall aesthetic of the piece.

Sure, if you’ve got money to burn you can buy actual antique hardware, or sometimes it is also possible to find a commercial source for hardware that has been manufactured to look old, but what if you want the ability to make virtually any piece of hardware look old? Patina adds a wonderful depth and character to a piece of furniture or an accent piece, and antiquing hardware for a woodworking project is easier than you might think. Like, WAY easier.

If you want to try antiquing hardware, you can follow the steps that George shows in the video:

Get a bottle of the patina agent. George will provide information about a common product that can quickly deliver amazing results when you are antiquing hardware.

Pour just enough into a dish. When you are antiquing hardware, you won’t need to use massive amounts of the antiquing agent. Just enough to cover the piece.

Place hardware into the antiquing agent. Antiquing hardware doesn’t require lengthy exposure to the agent. As you watch the video you will be surprised by how quickly the piece takes on a wonderful patina.

This technique can be applied on hinges, drawer locks, drawer pulls, or any other metal hardware that you might be using on your woodworking project. Give it a try and let us know how well this technique worked for your next woodworking project.