Need help with patina solutions!

[gore-gore-grrrl.livejournal.com]

I want to patina my own jewelry findings and thought consulting you guys was probably my best bet. I definitely want to go home made. I tried a store bought solution and it was really weak. I read somewhere that you can do it with salt, vinegar and amonia. That would be ideal but I know it depends on the metal type. What are some different methods you use? What's the most effecient? If I need specific chemicals where can I find them?



I bought some cheap jewelry to disassemble for spare parts from this local dollar store that sells factory over run crap from the 80's and 90's. The metal is pretty thin but I think it could be useful to build upon. I read somewhere that shiny or chromed metal has a harder time aging. What would you use for this kind of stuff? I'm open to "faking it" ideas too.



obviously I won't try this with those plastic beads still attached :-P