There are a number of ways to give a new piece of steel an antique look.Corroding the metal will produce the most natural results.You could paint the object instead of heat staining it.
Step 1: The appropriate safety gear should be worn.
You should wear safety goggles and gloves.You will need to use tongs or a vice to handle the object.It's important that everything you use is fire- and heat- resistant.
Step 2: Coffee grounds are warm and moist.
You will need to prepare enough coffee grounds to cover the object you want to antique.You can use the spent grounds from a recent pot of coffee.You can fill a small cup with your prepared grounds if you pour enough warm to hot water over a fresh bunch of grounds.If you want to coat the bottom of a shallow tray, use the grounds.
Step 3: Use a lighter to heat steel.
Hold the metal object with tongs or a vice, then pass the flame of a lighter over the entire length of the object, heating it thoroughly.Continue rotating and passing the flame over the object until the metal begins to oxidize.If you want a more controlled flame, consider using a propane tank with a lighter attachment instead of a handheld lighter.The temperature of the steel is just under 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so you need to work very carefully to prevent burns.
Step 4: The coffee grounds have steel in them.
Immediately dip the heated portion into the prepared coffee grounds.For 15 to 30 seconds, hold it in the grounds.The coffee grounds have water in them.If you remove the steel from the grounds, it should be safe to touch, but you should still proceed with caution.The coffee should give the metal a look of antiqued metal by cooling it off.
Step 5: Continue as needed.
If you want to dye the steel even darker, submerge it in the coffee grounds again.You should be able to repeat the process several times.If you only want to dye one side darker, focus the heat on that area and only apply coffee grounds to that spot.
Step 6: As desired.
If you're satisfied with the results, you can polish the steel object by rubbing it with a soft cloth.Wait until the object is cool enough to be touched.Some of the dark dye should be removed by polishing the piece.It should make the steel shiny.The project is finished after you dye and polish the piece.The results should last for a long time.
Step 7: The steel needs to be cuffed.
The sides of the object are covered with steel wool.Scuffing the steel will make it look older.The protective coating is removed, allowing more of the vinegar to penetrate and work its way through the metal.If you want to create more subtle wear, use sandpaper instead of steel wool pads.For the best results, choose a medium to heavy grit sandpaper.
Step 8: The piece should be placed in a bigger container.
Place the steel item in a plastic bucket or similar container made of non-reactive material.You should expose all sides of the antique.If one side of the container is hidden, the vinegar may not work as well.
Step 9: There is a cover with vinegar.
All the sides of the piece are covered by the container.You might want to wear safety gloves and goggles.If it splashes into your eyes, it could sting.If you have sensitive skin or if your skin is submerged for a long time, it can be a mild irritant.It will affect every side.White distilled vinegar is cheap and easy to come by, so it is a good choice for this project.Put stones or dry beans on top of the steel piece if it starts to float.Make sure the vinegar still has access to the piece.
Step 10: It should be allowed to sit overnight.
For at least eight hours, keep the steel piece submerged.The piece should be worn as soon as you remove it.You can rinse the piece with water and then dry it with towels.
Step 11: Continue as you please.
If the antiqued appearance isn't what you want, soak the steel for a longer period of time.This may not be effective on all steel pieces.High-grade steel is more likely to resist rust than low- grade steel.You could use a more corrosive chemical if the vinegar doesn't work.The toilet bowl cleaner works well.Also yielding results are bleach, denture cleaner, and silver dip.Safety goggles and rubber gloves are required when using harsher chemicals.Do not mix chemicals since they can produce dangerous fumes.Before attempting to use a different chemical, rinse and dry the piece.The project is finished once you are satisfied with the appearance.The results should be permanent.
Step 12: You need to prepare your supplies.
You will need metallic craft paint, an art paintbrush, and a wet sponge.There is a deep gray metallic paint.One labeled as "gunmetal gray" is usually a good choice.Depending on the look you want to create, you can use a copper metallic paint.The optional paint is copper.Since you may need to rinse the sponge periodically, it's a good idea to have a supply of water ready.Stand next to the sink.Keep a bucket of clean water nearby.Plastic sheets or newspaper can be used to cover your work area.To protect your clothes, you may want to wear an artist's smock or apron.
Step 13: You need to brush on the first coat.
The paint should be applied to the sides of the object using even strokes.For easy access, pour the paint into a disposable dish.The paint should be applied along the grain of the steel.Don't allow the paint to dry if you want to antique the entire surface.
Step 14: It's a good idea to sponge away some of the paint.
Use the wet sponge to apply the paint.Work your way around the surface, "messing up" the perfect coat of paint you just applied.The pattern of the sponge should be prevented from being imprinted into the paint by using a wet sponge.You need to remove some of the paint, but not all of it.The paint should remain after this step.You should notice some spots where the paint splatters and others where it doesn't.You need to retain both effects.
Step 15: As needed.
Between the two previous steps, work back and forth.Apply paint with a paintbrush, then use a wet sponge to remove some of the paint.You may need to rinse the sponge with clean water as it gets loaded with paint.After rinsing the sponge, wring it out and return to the steel piece.You should use a damp sponge, not a dripping wet one.Continue alternating between painting and sponging until you have a naturally worn appearance.
Step 16: Let dry.
Allow the piece to dry before handling it further.Take a look at the dry piece.The metal should show through the paint.Determine if you are satisfied with the results.
Step 17: Consider adding more coats of paint.
Adding a coat of copper metallic paint on top of the gunmetal paint is a possibility.The first coat was applied with the same technique.The second coat is optional.If you don't like the results, you will need to clean off the paint and start from the beginning.You won't be able to save the first layer.Don't add a coat after the second.Adding too many layers may make it more obvious that the piece has been painted.The project is complete if you achieve the desired appearance.Unless the paint is washed away, the antique effect will last for a long time.