can ammonium hydroxide be used in place of ammonia?

[Bob Parker]

I am trying to antique some new brass hinges and keys with the method of soaking them in laquer thinner overnight and then fuming in ammonia...but all i have is ammonium hydroxide 25%.. anyone have any idea if this is the same thing or if it will work as well? Thanks!

[David Keller NC]

Bob - The only way you can obtain "liquid ammonia" in a glass bottle is Ammonium hydroxide - what you have will work perfectly, just be sure that you do this outside, and wear a respirator with carbon filters (most respirators sold for painting meet this criteria). Ammonia this concentrated will sear your mucus membranes (inside of your nose, sinuses, and in severe cases, your lungs) nearly instantly if you get a noseful of the fumes.

Ammonia can be obtained in the pure state, of course, but it's a cryogenic liquid and requires a pressure tank. Some farmers still get it this way.

[Marcus Ward]

You might try this instead, it's bound to be loads safer and possibly easier:

http://blog.woodworking-magazine.com/blog/Adding+Age+To+Brass.aspx