How to Rust an Outdated Brass Light Fixture

Long before the powder room refresh was planned, the outdated brass light fixture that lived in this room was updated using a chemical kit.  At the time, I wasn’t blogging so it didn’t occur to me to get photos for later.  

Then, when folks loved the light and wanted to know the process, I got that sad sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.  You know the one.  The one that reminded me how I should have been paying attention and wheeling the camera with every step.  Luckily, this particular process is so simple, it can be recreated quickly and easily. The light fixture that was refinished had a brass finish on it that wasn’t real brass, but that really didn’t matter.  This product will rust fake brass to an amazing finish.

Step One: Prep

I did not remove the light from the wall when I refinished it. But, I did cut the electricity from the light by turning off the breaker switch. Then, I cleaned it from dirt and grime, but did not sand or apply a primer. That’s right. No sanding. No primer. 

After that, tape was applied around the wall and the glass fixtures. Any part of the lamp that you don’t want rusted must be covered in some way.

Tape and or cover the fixture until you know you won’t have a boo-boo.Then cover the wall, vanity, furniture, floor……any surface that could get a drip. Please, take the time to do this. In the event of a drip, you’ll thank me later.After all of the surfaces are protected, time for your glamour garb. That’s right. Protective eyewear, chemical proof nitrile gloves, and a face mask. I also recommend covering your hair and wearing long sleeves and long pants. Better to be safe than sorry with these chemical reactants.Step Two: Apply the Products

I used a Rust Antiquing Kit from Sophisticated Finishes (Modern Options.com). No affiliate link.

The kit contains two bottles of solution and covers about 3 square feet of area. The first product applied, the Iron Metal Surfacer, is a paint-like product with tiny iron flecks mixed in. Just apply it like paint (I used a sponge brush) and allow it to thoroughly dry. This stuff is the iron equivalent of chalk paint. It sticks to anything. But, unlike chalk paint, it cannot be distressed away.

After the first application, the results look something like this.

Once the first application is completely dry, apply the Instant Rust Reactive Agent. Although, heads-up. The reaction isn’t instant. It happens as the product dries. This could be 30-minutes to an hour or more. So, please be patient. If, after the second application is totally dry, the result isn’t rusty enough…..simply apply another coat of Instant Rust. Let it dry and voila…you’re done. I did not apply a sealer because, I ask you…what naturally occurring rust has a sealer? 

But, a sealer surely can be applied, if you prefer.

To add even more vintage flavor, Edison bulbs replaced the regular bulbs.

The bulbs improve the visual appearance of the fixture, especially when the light is off.  

They give off a rather golden-yellow glow in the evening, but it’s really ok.  In some ways, it mimicks candlelight, so I can live with that kind of golden cast to the room.And, that’s all there is to it.  Isn’t it amazing that the hardest part of this project is getting all of the tape and plastic protection in place for the surrounding area?Thanks so much for stopping by.  I’d love to hear your thoughts about this project, both pros and cons, so please drop a note in the comment section.

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