I have a 2" solid brass railing near my front door that I want to antique. I want to lose the bright (cheesy) yellow and get either an aged look or an oil rubbed bronze look. Either is acceptable. It has a laquer coat which I will remove with paint stripper (gel). Do I have to clean it first? Oil from hands, dog smudges, etc. or will the stripper cut through all this without leaving a trace of markings afterward? Alo I plan to rub with ammonia to oxidize it to get the aged look. Maybe clear coat it afterward? I can't find any brass darkener up here in Canada (Manitoba) so I don't think I can attempt the oil rubbed bronze look.