![distress tins](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/distress-tins.jpg)
I snagged this set of mini tart tins while junking. The shape and size of them will be perfect for crafting. I just don’t care for the bright metal look. I prefer a primitive, country style so I am going to try four different methods to age the tins.
![metal tart tins](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/metal-tart-tins-1024x720.jpg)
Watch the Video:
Aging Tins – the Methods:
I have chosen to try four different liquids that are reputed to age metal. I am going to soak one tin in each of the different liquid “agers”. I will be using lemon juice, toilet bowl cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, and bleach.
One tin was placed in a disposable container and then covered with one of the liquids. This process was repeated for each of the agers.
![age tins](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/age-tins-1024x424.jpg)
It is a good idea to do this outside because the chemical reactions could create fumes.
Aging Tins – the Results:
Each method will work differently with different types of metals so your results may vary. The coating on a tin can also affect the results.
I let them sit overnight – for 15 hours. It looks like the bleach and toilet cleaner really had a reaction!
![results of soaking](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/results-of-soaking-1024x568.jpg)
The middle of the tin looks to be floating on top of the toilet cleaner. The bleach is no longer clear and has a film on the top of it.
![results of toilet cleaner](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/results-of-toilet-cleaner-1024x891.jpg)
To protect my hands from the chemicals, I wore gloves to remove the tart tins.
The toilet cleaner disintegrated the center of the tart tin! I had checked the tins after 5 hours and this one was a nice dark color. I should have removed it then. Definitely a good lesson on what NOT to do!
The lemon juice had virtually no effect on the tins. After rinsing and drying the tin, it looks almost the same as the unsoaked tin.
![lemon juice results](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/lemon-juice-results-1024x548.jpg)
The tart tin soaked in hydrogen peroxide did not have any aging either.
![peroxide tin](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/peroxide-tin-1024x622.jpg)
The bleach created a very nice aged look to the tart tin. I was hoping to achieve a look similar to this antique heart tin and I think I succeeded!
![bleach results](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/bleach-results-1024x740.jpg)
My second mistake was reusing the bleach on another tin. I guess the bleach crystalized on the tin. Definitely not the look I was trying to get.
![reused bleach tin](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/reused-bleach-tin-1024x874.jpg)
From now on, I will be using fresh bleach for each tin.
If you try this, be sure to dispose of all liquids and containers properly.
![before and after aging tart tins](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/before-after-tins.jpg)
I hope you enjoyed this! Be sure to check out our other primitive craft tutorials.
Pin this Primitive Craft Tutorial:
![aging tins](https://doodledogprimitives.com/wp-content/uploads/aging-tins-683x1024.jpg)