Refinish cabinet knobs and pulls?

Hi All,

At 25 cents each on clearance (regularly about $4.50) I got about 20
cabinet knobs and 20 cabinet pulls for use in my kitchen facelift
project. While I like the design well enough, the shiny brass finish is
not that appealing. Does anyone know of a way to refinish or age the
knobs and pulls? They are actually 2 different brands (Belwith - made of

"ultra brass" and Amerock - made of "zinc die-cast"). I suspect that any

kind of aging technique (if the material they are made of is even
"ageable") would give different results based on the different material
they are made of. Any ideas for painting them (some sort of pewter,
copper, or aged brass effect) that will last?

Thanks,
Karen

In article , says...

the shiny brass finish is
not that appealing.

I know the feeling well. First off, they may
be coated with a clear coating of some sort
(lacquer, most likely) that should be removed
if you're going to "treat" them with anything
to age them. Once you've buffed them you may
find it's all that's needed and left to weather
naturally they should eventually take on the
patina of tarnished brass.

I have successfully used a wire
wheel on a table grinder to buff them with.
Then you might try ordinary urine to give
them a patina. Warmer is better. Almost
any sulfuric chemical will cause tarnishing.