| How to Age Brass Hardware Posted: 06 Oct 2018 01:00 AM PDT As brass hardware ages, its surface oxidizes, which leaves a layer of tarnish over the hardware. Brand new brass hardware, such as drawer pulls, door handles, or towel bars, stays shiny and bright for decades because of a protective lacquer coating on the surface. However, by removing this protective coating and applying either ammonia fumes or brass ager to the surface, you can "age" your brass hardware to give it a pleasing tarnished look. EditRemoving the Lacquer Coating - Disassemble your hardware so you're only working with brass. During the aging process, you'll only want to be working with hardware made of brass. Remove your hardware from where it's installed and make sure the brass you're working with is not attached to a part of the hardware made of another substance.[1]
- For example, if you're aging a brass candle sconce that has a glass hurricane cover, remove and set aside the glass cover.
- Wipe the brass hardware clean. Use a clean, dry rag to remove any dust or foreign materials from the hardware. If your hardware is new or uninstalled, you might be able to skip this step.
- Whether you need to clean your hardware and how you should go about it will ultimately depend on how dirty it is. Use soapy water and a washcloth if your hardware is particularly dirty. If it's only a little dusty, just using a dry rag should suffice.
- Be careful not to use an abrasive scrubbing cloth, as this might damage the brass.[2]
- Create a hook from a wire coat hanger. Snip of wire from a coat hanger and use your needle nose pliers to bend a hook onto one end of the wire.[3]
- If you don't have a wire coat hanger, any form of malleable metallic wire will do.
- Soak the brass hardware in lacquer thinner for 12 hours. Pour lacquer thinner into a plastic bucket and use it to soak your brass hardware. Place enough thinner in the bucket so that you can completely submerge your brass hardware pieces in it. Leave the hardware in the bucket for at least 12 hours.[4]
- Don't inhale the fumes from the lacquer thinner; they can easily make you feel nauseous or lightheaded.[5]
- Remove the brass pieces from the lacquer thinner and dry them. Use the wired coat hanger to fish the brass out of the thinner. After removing the pieces from the lacquer thinner, blot the brass pieces dry and lay them over a separate clean, dry rag.[6]
- Avoid getting the thinner on your skin, as it can cause the skin to dry out and peel. Use rubber gloves and safety goggles if possible.
- Don't just pour your excess thinner down the drain once you've finished. Instead, dispose of it by throwing away the rags you used in a sealed metal container and taking the leftover thinner to a hazardous household waste collection facility.
- Reassemble and reinstall your hardware. After you've cleaned and dried the brass hardware and you're satisfied with how the aging turned out, reattach the brass to the fixture or area you originally removed it from.
EditUsing Brass Ager - Isolate the brass parts of the hardware. You should only use brass ager on hardware that is made of brass and not another material. Make sure whatever brass you're working with is not attached to hardware made of another substance.[7]
- Clean the brass pieces. Use a clean, dry rag to remove any dust or foreign materials from the hardware. If your hardware is new or uninstalled, you might be able to skip this step.
- Whether you need to clean your hardware and how you should go about it will ultimately depend on how dirty it is. Use soapy water and a washcloth if your hardware is particularly dirty. If it's only a little dusty, just using a dry rag should suffice.
- Avoid using an abrasive scrubbing cloth, as this might damage the brass.[8]
- Pour brass ager into a glass container. Pour enough ager into the container so that you can fully submerge your brass hardware in the liquid. You can also use a plastic container to hold the ager.[9]
- Brass ager is a type of antiquing solution specifically used for brass. You can typically find brass ager at any department store and some online retailers.
- Be sure to wear protective gloves when handling or working with brass ager.
- Dip the brass hardware in the ager for at least 30 seconds. Use latex or rubber gloves and submerge the hardware completely in the ager. Leave it submerged for at least 30 seconds before removing it.[10]
- You can leave the hardware in the brass ager for longer than 30 seconds if you want to achieve a darker, more aged look. However, don't leave your hardware in the brass ager for more than 10 minutes.
- Rub the brass piece with steel wool to remove unwanted discoloration. The brass ager will significantly age and darken whatever hardware you've submerged in it. Use steel wool to remove this discoloration on parts of the hardware where you would normally see wear.[11]
- For example, if you're aging a brass doorknob, you may want the places where people's fingers normally touch the knob to have more of a worn look instead of an aged look.
- Dip the hardware in cold water and then dry it with a soft rag. Dipping the brass hardware in cold water will stop the aging process. After it's dried, it's ready to be reattached.[12]
- Be careful not to use an abrasive scrubbing cloth, as this might damage the brass.
- Polish the hardware and repeat this process if you don't like it. If you don't like how the aging turned out, it's no problem! Simply polish the hardware completely and start the process over from the beginning.[13]
- To polish the brass, simply use brass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
- Put the hardware back together then reinstall it. Once the brass hardware has been cleaned and dried and you're satisfied with how the aging turned out, reattach the brass to the fixture or area you originally removed it from.
EditAging Brass with Saltwater and Ammonia - Take off any parts not made of brass. Disassemble the hardware and remove the brass pieces. This method should only be applied to brass hardware; using it on materials made of plastic or glass may leave those pieces discolored.[14]
- Remove any dust or dirt from the brass. Use a clean, dry rag to remove any dust or foreign materials from the hardware. If your hardware is new or uninstalled, you might be able to skip this step.
- Whether you need to clean your hardware and how you should go about it will ultimately depend on how dirty it is. Use soapy water and a washcloth if your hardware is particularly dirty. If it's only a little dusty, just using a dry rag should suffice.
- Be careful not to use an abrasive scrubbing cloth, as this might damage the brass.[15]
- Punch a hole through the center of a coffee can lid. Use a hammer and nail to punch a small hole in the center of the coffee can lid that is big enough for the coat hanger wire to pass through.[16]
- Run the hanger wire through the hole and secure it to the lid. Once you've made a hole in the coffee can lid, poke your hanger's unhooked end through the hole and bend it into a right angle so it can hold itself in place.[17]
- Once the wire hanger is secured to the lid, make sure it's able to hold the weight of your brass hardware before you actually use it. Hook your hardware onto the wire and hold the lid up to make sure the wire doesn't fall through the hole in the lid.
- Mix saltwater in a plastic bucket and dip your brass piece in the liquid. Combine of water and of salt in a clean plastic bucket. After the salt has dissolved, use the hook end of your lid-hook configuration to dip your brass hardware into the liquid and hold it there for 30 seconds.[18]
- Pour of household ammonia into a metal coffee can. Avoid overdoing it on the ammonia; you only need to pour enough in the coffee can to produce fumes and don't want it to actually be touching the brass hardware.[19]
- Note that the coffee can you use needs to be metallic; cans made of plastic or other materials can't be used to safely hold and heat ammonia.
- You can buy household ammonia at most mass retailers and certain grocery stores.
- Use your lid-hook configuration to hang the hardware piece in the can. Replace the lid on the coffee can so the hardware piece dangles inside the can. Make sure that the brass piece doesn't touch the ammonia during this process.[20]
- Apply heat to the can's bottom area with a hair dryer for 2 minutes. This will release ammonia fumes onto the brass hardware and age it.[21]
- Remove the lid from the can after 2 minutes of heat application and rinse. Be sure you don't inhale the ammonia fumes when you remove the lid, as it will burn and may cause lung damage. After you're safely removed the lid, take the hardware off the wire hook and rinse it thoroughly with cold water.[22]
- Repeat as necessary. If you're not happy with your results, repeat the process to further age the brass hardware. Simply re-dip it in the salt solution, place the lid-hook configuration back on the coffee can, and apply heat for another 2 minutes.[23]
- Reattach the hardware when you're done. Once the brass hardware has been cleaned and dried and you're satisfied with how the aging turned out, reattach the brass to the fixture or area you originally removed it from.
- If the brass hardware you're aging is attached to a fixture with screws, make sure you age the screw heads as well, since they'll be visible once you reattach the hardware.
- If your hardware isn't solid brass, but is instead brass plated, proceed with the aging process with caution. The process may completely remove the brass plating. If you aren't sure if the hardware is sold brass, scratch it in an unnoticeable area, such as the back of a faucet or the top of a hanging hardware. If scratching reveals more brass or a yellow color, the hardware is solid. Colors such as red or white mean you're probably dealing with bronze, steel or another inexpensive metal.
EditThings You'll Need EditRemoving the Lacquer Coating - Clean, dry rags
- Wire coat hanger
- Wire snips
- Needle nose pliers
- Large plastic bucket
- Lacquer thinner
EditUsing Brass Ager - Brass ager
- Glass container
EditAging Brass with Saltwater and Ammonia - Metal coffee can with fitted metal lid
- Nail
- Hammer
- Household ammonia
- Hair dryer
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Close Gauged Ears Posted: 05 Oct 2018 05:00 PM PDT If you're starting a new job or just want a new look, consider your options for closing stretched ears. Although they won't completely seal shut, you can reduce the size of the holes by wearing smaller gauged jewelry. Once you've removed the jewelry, massage your ears with oil to help the scar tissue heal. For the best appearance, consider getting surgery to stitch the holes shut and restore the shape of your ear lobes. EditReducing Gauge Size - Set realistic expectations. Because your ear lobes have healed around the tunnel, plug, or taper you used to stretch the ear, your ears will never completely close. Keep in mind that your best expectation is to shrink the size of the holes. If you experienced tearing, infections, or blowouts, your ears may not shrink as much. Other factors that determine how much your ears will shrink include:
- The size of your holes.
- How long and gradually you stretched.
- How elastic your skin is.
- Decrease your plug by 1 size and wear it for at least 3 to 4 days. Choose a smaller plug, tunnel, or taper and put it in your ear. Leave the smaller piece in your ear for 3 to 4 days or up to a week so your ear gradually shrinks to hold it.
- If you switch to drastically smaller sizes too quickly, they may fall out of your ear.
- For example, if your normal gauge is a 000g (10.4 mm), put a 00g (9.26 mm) in your ear.
- Continue to decrease the gauge until you're wearing a 17g (1.14 mm). After your ears can comfortably hold the smaller piece, switch to the next smaller size gauge. Keep it in for another 3 to 4 days or up to a week. Keep decreasing the gauge until you're at the smallest gauge.
- The smallest gauge is 20g (0.812 mm) which fits a standard wire earring.
- Remove the gauge and gently rinse your ear lobes with water. Carefully remove the plugs, tunnels, or tapers once they're at the smallest gauge. Then dip a clean cloth or cotton swab in cool water and wipe your ear lobes to clean them.
- Avoid cleaning your ears with antiseptic. This will sting badly and dry out your ear lobes.
EditEncouraging the Holes to Close - Massage your ear lobes daily with oil. Once the plugs, tapers, or tunnels are out of your ear lobes, take the time to massage your ear lobes every day. Dip your fingers in a little jojoba or vitamin E oil and then rub the oil into your lobes for a minutes or two.[1]
- You can also use ear butter, which is a mixture of both jojoba and vitamin E oil.
- Try applying a hemorrhoid cream to speed the healing time. Although research is needed, some people believe that spreading a dab of hemorrhoid cream on the holes will reduce the scar tissue and allow the holes to close faster. Use your fingers or a cotton swab to rub the cream over the holes.[2]
- Hemorrhoid cream also contains a local anesthetic that will relieve any pain that you might have as your ears close.
- Continue to massage the lobes for several months. If you didn't stretch your ears very much or didn't wear plugs, tunnels, or tapers for very long, your ears will probably close within a few months.
- If you stretched your ears considerably or wore the jewelry for years, remember that your ears may not close completely.
EditGetting Surgery - Talk with a surgeon about the procedure. The surgeon will explain how they'll snip off some of the extra skin from the ear lobe and stitch back in place. The surgeon will try to make the earlobe match its original shape and curve although there will probably be a small scar in the center of the lobe.[3]
- Discuss possible complications of the surgery. For example, you might develop an infection, pain, redness or irritation, bleeding, and skin sensitivity.
- Consider the high cost of surgery. Although surgery is your best option for closing stretched ears, it's also the most expensive option. Most ear lobe reconstruction surgeries cost between $1,500 and $3,000.[4]
- Keep in mind that most insurance companies won't cover this procedure because it's considered to be cosmetic.
- Schedule the surgery to close the holes. If you do opt for the surgery, plan on a short procedure. You'll get a local anesthetic and the procedure should take less than 1 hour. A cosmetic surgeon will cut the ear and stitch together the lobe to repair the appearance.[5]
- Most surgeons will make lots of very fine stitches so the scars aren't very noticeable.
- Care for your earlobes after the surgery. Follow the doctor's care guidelines following the surgery. For example, you'll probably need to apply antibiotic ointment or cream to the earlobes for the first few days after surgery. The doctor may recommend that you put small bandages on the earlobes as they heal.[6]
- Your ears will probably feel painful or look bruised for a few days. Take over-the-counter pain medications to manage the pain.
- Ask your surgeon if the stitches will dissolve on their own or if they need to be removed after 1 week.
- Never use sandpaper to "irritate" the ear into healing itself. This can cause even more damage to the ear and prevent healing.
- Avoid "filling" the hole with superglue or toothpaste. These will damage the ear even more.
EditThings You'll Need - Smaller gauges in a variety of sizes
- Clean cloth or cotton swabs
- Hemorrhoid cream
- Jojoba or vitamin E oil
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Wear Dresses in the Fall Posted: 05 Oct 2018 09:00 AM PDT Dresses are easy to layer and dress up or down, making them the perfect fall wardrobe staple. Transition your dresses into the fall season by layering them with tops and outerwear such as sweaters, jackets, and coats. Add some cute cold-weather accessories, such as a scarf and a hat, and complete the look with a stylish pair of footwear. Rock your finished fall-weather look with confidence! EditLayering with Tops - Wear a simple white T-shirt under a slip dress for a casual, stylish outfit. The T-shirt will keep your neck and shoulders warm, as well as balance out the chic slip dress with a casual element. Make sure to pair this outfit with a long, warm overcoat, since slip dresses are made of a thin material.[1]
- For example, you could pair a long, olive-colored slip dress with a white T-shirt and a blazer-style overcoat.
- Wear a chunky sweater over a dress for a comfortable, chic look. Play with the length of the sweater and the dress for several different looks. For example, you could wear a longer sweater that lets a bit of dress peek out at the bottom, or you could pair a cropped sweater and a dress with a fuller skirt. You could also go for the classic dress and cardigan pairing.[2]
- For a playful, cute look, put a long red sweater over a shorter cream-colored dress and a pair of ankle boots. If it's cold out, add some tights or tall socks.
- Layer a fitted turtleneck under a sleeveless dress for a clean silhouette. A long-sleeved top will keep you warm and streamline your outfit. Choose a close-fitting turtleneck made of thinner material to pair underneath your dress, such as a thin cotton or rayon material. Avoid bulkier turtlenecks made from wool or with a chunky knit pattern, which will make the dress look lumpy and wrinkly.[3]
- For example, you could wear a simple cream turtleneck underneath a sleeveless mustard-colored dress.
- Wear a shift dress over tailored trousers for a boxy, modern feel. Add a crisp button-down oxford and a pair of heels to complete the look. This style combines 60s-style tailoring, office-wear chic, and clean lines.[4]
- To try this style, wear a white button-down shirt, a pair of cream dress pants, and a structured, rust-colored shift dress. For footwear, opt for a pair of black heels.
EditAdding Outerwear - Wear a leather jacket over a floral summer dress for an edgy touch. The combination of a feminine floral pattern and a structured leather jacket can balance out a cute outfit with a tough, cool piece. [5] This look also works well for both daytime and nighttime.[6]
- For example, you could wear a black dress with a pink and white floral pattern beneath a simple black moto-style leather jacket.
- Wear a fancier coat to make the outfit stylish and work-appropriate. Options such as a camel coat, a lightweight trench coat, and a thick blazer look especially good with a midi-length dress, which ends mid-calf, or a shift dress.[7]
- A camel coat combines the perfect color and thick, warm fabric for a fall outfit. Pair it with a fitted black midi-length dress for a simple, sophisticated outfit.
- The combination of a boxy, masculine blazer and a flowy, feminine dress is a popular style, perfect for wearing around town or to the office.[8]
- Try wearing a blush trench coat over a navy shirtdress for a Parisian-inspired outfit.
- Opt for a casual jacket to dress down the look. Pick a bomber jacket or denim jacket to layer over a dress if you want to keep things casual. This is a popular street style look, perfect for attending casual events, running errands, or going out for the night.
- Try wearing a taupe slip dress with a simple white T-shirt under an olive green bomber jacket for an effortlessly cool look.
- You could also pair a summer dress with a dark-wash denim jacket and a pair of tights for a casual but put-together outfit.
EditChoosing Accessories - Wear a pair of opaque tights under your dress for warmth and coverage. Tights are a perfect addition to make your outfit cold weather-ready. You could go for a pair of classic black tights, or try a more daring color like navy or burgundy. When the fall weather starts to turn even colder, switch your normal tights to a pair that's fleece-lined.
- For example, you could wear a pair of fleece-lined black tights underneath a burgundy sweater dress and a light grey coat for maximum warmth. Finish the look with some black leather riding boots.
- Cinch the waist in with a belt to make a silhouette more flattering. Add a belt to a loose, baggy dress to emphasize your waist and add a point of interest to the outfit.[9] You could choose a simple black belt with a metal buckle, or you could go for something with more detail, such as an embroidered, chain, or suede belt.
- For example, you could cinch in a denim shirt dress with a black leather belt that features a vintage silver buckle. Add a pair of suede ankle boots and a patterned scarf to complete the look.
- Add a long, soft blanket scarf for warmth and versatility. Wear your blanket scarf wrapped around the neck or as a wrap, depending on how cold it is outside. Choose a soft, lightweight fabric and a neutral color, such as black, gray, navy, taupe, or cream.[10]
- Pair an olive-colored shift dress with a cream-colored coat and arrange a taupe blanket scarf around your shoulders. Add a pair of tall brown suede boots.
- Add a knit or felt hat to complete the outfit. Pretty knit hats are both cute and functional. Pair these with more casual outfits.[11] Brimmed felt hats also add some stylishness to the outfit, particularly when paired with dressier outfits.
- Pair a black-and-white striped T-shirt dress with a pink bomber jacket, then add a white beanie and white sneakers to create a casual cool-weather look.
- Go with a pair of tall boots to stay warm and chic. Choose between a classic pair of knee-high riding boots or a daring pair of fitted over-the-knee suede boots.[12] Wear some tights or add a pair of cozy knit socks to your riding boots for extra warmth.
- Let the tops of the socks peek out above the boots for a cozy, layered look.
- For example, you could pair some charcoal suede over-the-knee boots with a black fitted turtleneck and a burgundy sleeveless dress.
- Opt for a classic pair of ankle boots for style and versatility. These shoes are a popular fall staple, perfect for pairing with any length of dress, from summer dresses to maxi dresses.[13] Choose a sleek leather pair for instant class or a pair in suede for a soft, autumnal texture.[14]
- For example, you could wear a rust-colored T-shirt dress with a chunky cream-colored cardigan and some tan leather ankle boots.
- Trade in your summer sandals for a pair of heels to wear with dresses. Pairing your summer dresses with pumps instead of sandals will help you stay warm, chic, and fall-appropriate. Go for a pair in a neutral shade, such as black, navy, or taupe, and choose a pair of opaque tights that matches.
- For example, you could wear a patterned, burgundy summer dress with some black tights and a pair of black pumps. Add a warm gray blazer to finish off the look.
- As a general rule, you should never wear more than 3 layers at a time.[15]
- Choose clothes in autumnal colors to match the season. Colors like cream, red, orange, rust, and mustard are perfect for the fall weather.[16]
EditSources and Citations
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