How do take cheap keys and make them look older with darkened areas. I don’t want them shiny.

Mix steel wool in a jar of vinegar and throw them in over night.

Aluminum or steel----lay them out on plastic, spray with oven cleaner(yellow can) or use gel toilet bowl cleaner(ZEP brand) or just straight Lye(cheap at Acehardware) let sit in solution in sun until they look how you want them(this darkens them/oxidizes) you'll need to sand or buff with steel wool to remove oxidation /highlight them Brass https://inmyownstyle.com/how-to-age-brass-in-less-than-5-minutes.html

Try a mixture of vinegar and sea salt. Allow the items to soak for 30 minutes. Check and allow more time as needed.

Here's a good tutorial: http://treasuresfromtheheartgifts.blogspot.com/2012/07/rust-and-patina-how-to.html

Unexpected Elegance
on Jun 29, 2019

Here's a good tutorial: http://treasuresfromtheheartgifts.blogspot.com/2012/07/rust-and-patina-how-to.html

Helpful
Beverly Roderick at Across the Blvd
on Jun 29, 2019

Try a mixture of vinegar and sea salt. Allow the items to soak for 30 minutes. Check and allow more time as needed.

Helpful
Lynn Sorrell
on Jun 29, 2019

Aluminum or steel----lay them out on plastic, spray with oven cleaner(yellow can) or use gel toilet bowl cleaner(ZEP brand) or just straight Lye(cheap at Acehardware) let sit in solution in sun until they look how you want them(this darkens them/oxidizes) you'll need to sand or buff with steel wool to remove oxidation /highlight them Brass https://inmyownstyle.com/how-to-age-brass-in-less-than-5-minutes.html

Helpful
Sharon
on Jul 4, 2019

Mix steel wool in a jar of vinegar and throw them in over night.

Helpful

How can I give new keys an older look?

Suggested Project Book

Turn Dollar Store Laundry Basket Into Wreath Form In 8 Easy Steps