How to Darken Pewter is an article about how to darken new pewter.

Pewter is made up of tin and a little copper and is used to make objects like keys.With the passage of time, pewter tends to turn darker in colour, and this darkness, also known as patina, is considered a far more attractive look as compared to the original gray colour.Due to the natural weathering effects of time, pewter can be turned dark via an oxidizing process, but since it is soft, care needs to be taken when exposing it to chemicals.

To handle and use pewter frequently is a natural way to darken it.The piece will turn dark quicker if the usage is high.If the piece is a key, you could keep it close by and use it frequently to speed up the process of creating a patina.If you keep it on the kitchen counter, you can drink from it a couple of times a day.This method is safe and easy to use.

You will need to check the label on your pewter piece to make sure it is dishwasher-friendly, if you want to use a dishwasher for the purpose.If the object can be safely put into a dishwasher, then put it on a rack so that it won't fall and move around.Since pewter is soft, these components of the dishwasher could easily damage your piece, so make sure you keep it away from them.

Make sure you don't put anything on top of your pewter piece if you fill your dishwasher with the usual dirty dishes.Add in the amount of detergent you use for a full load.If you put it through a normal cycle, the heat inside the appliance will cause the pewter piece to oxidize.