Aged Details
For door hardware, an overnight bath in lacquer thinner will remove the clear coating on brass
that prevents tarnishing. Next, use very fine steel wool to remove any lingering sealant. Finally,
rub the brass with brass darkening solution. This is a great way to give inexpensive hardware a
timeless look.
Stylish Stoop
The homeowners also wanted a quick fix to mask their unattractive concrete stoop. Removing it would
be too expensive for their budget, so Jody gave it a fresh look with paint. She first cleaned the surface with a solution of water and bleach to kill any mildew, allowing it
to dry for several days. (This is important. If the stoop wasn't completely dry, the paint would
bubble and not fully adhere.) Jody painted the top of the stoop a rich chocolate color and allowed it to dry. Then she taped
off a diamond pattern and painted the design black. Before giving the stoop a final coat of marine varnish, Jody lightly sanded the entire surface to
enhance the aged appearance. Allow each layer to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next.
