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How to Make Rustic Copper Nails

When building or repairing rustic decor, nails will likely be used as fasteners. Copper nails are often used in rustic furniture, but the copper should have a patina to show age because shiny new parts don't fit in with a rustic theme. If all you have are shiny new copper nails, you will have to make them rustic yourself.

Things You'll Need

Hammer
Sandpaper
Cloth towels
Steel wool
Tape
Razor blade
Paintbrush
Antiquing solution
Clear sealer
Respirator

Instructions

- 1
  Drive your copper nail into the desired area about three-fourths of the way in. Buff the surface of the nail head with sandpaper and steel wool and then wipe it down with a cloth. Hammer the nail until the head is flush.
- 2
  Tape over the head of the nail and use the razor blade to cut the tape around the nail head so it is the only thing exposed.
- 3
  Apply the antiquing solution to the nail head with a paint brush. The antiquing solution reacts with the copper and has an oxidizing effect that results in an almost instant patina. The reaction occurs over about 10 to 15 minutes. Apply the clear sealant at any time during the reaction to stop the process.
- 4
  Remove the tape after sealant has dried to reveal the rustic copper nail.

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