How to Distress Brass
- 1). Take the brass piece outdoors or leave it in a very well-ventilated room with trash bags spread underneath it to protect flooring.
- 2). Put on protective gloves and mask.
- 3). Apply the lacquer stripper directly to the brass using the toothbrush. Work it into the brass in circular motions.
- 4). Allow the stripper to do the work by letting it sit for the recommended amount of time. Rub the brass roughly with the steel wool.
- 5). Wet a rag and remove any excess stripper from the brass with the clean water. Use a new rag to dry the brass.
- 6). Apply the brass polishing compound using a new rag to bring out the highlights of the raw brass.
Source...