While there are many DIY solutions available to tarnish brass, you can also purchase a brass ager online. After you have attained that beautiful depth of patina rinse, dry, and lacquer. The best course of action is to check the coloring periodically until it reaches the desired look. The time frame for how long to leave your brass varies by your preference for tarnishing. Soak those paper towels the same way you did the first ones, then seal the container. Next, add a second layer of paper towels over the top of the brass item. Place the brass piece onto the soaked sheets, and sprinkle more salt on it. Soak the bottom layer of paper towels in ammonia and evenly sprinkle salt over the top.
Leave plenty of room for a second layer of paper towels and your brass item to fit into the sealed container. To use ammonia, fill a container large enough to hold your brass item on a layer of paper towels.
