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I have a Victorian cast brass keyhole cover polished brass finish that I want to age/antique for a crafting project. I've read about using ammonia fumes, soaking in a darkener solution such as Jax, using a metal finish spray paint. I don't know what to use, what is the best? TIA

Mountainbeach, I'm sure you will get some ideas from the members here, but I think looking for information on the internet will be your best bet.
I'm not sure what "look" you are going for. Do you want an unpainted aged look? Are you looking for just a bare metal aged look?

This google "image" search might give you a visual on what look you want to achieve.
http://www.google.com/search?n......1ac.1.xp5udb4Ctd4

I always use paint or stain to antique things. In this case I would use some burnt umber acrylic paint or walnut stain. Both will look nice over the brass and tone it down nicely.

Generously apply the paint/stain with a brush then wipe off with a soft cloth. You may have to do it more than once to achieve the look you want.
For more control of your paint/stain you can spray the piece with sealer first.

*always do a test spot first (like on the back of the piece)

or an off white color... I don't know what your looking for either... But i usually use the browns or whites, some times a little cranberry... mostly i use what i HAVE ON HAND, unless i really need to be exact!
Melinda

or water it down too... there's a lot of ways to achieve this...
Mel

Thanks everyone. I've always used paint or stain also but wasn't sure if it would work on these.

I ran across this site today. It might be of some help. http://www.alteredalchemy.com/...nt-rusting-iron.html

I know this may sound crazy, however I had some gold candle sticks and wanted them to look rusty. I lightly spray painted them with black then sprinked and rubbed on cinnamon and I absolutely loved the look. Therefore if you want a great look for a little money give it a try. After 3 years it still looks great.
DJ

that's sounds so wonderful...

so, what did you decide to do can you show us the after picture...? just curious..
Melinda