How do you descibe a metal that it the opposite of shining?

Question

How do you describe a metal that was once shining, but is so old that it is now mat?

"Matted metal" does not sound right, does it?

Do you mean that its finish is now matte? I'd call it dull or matte, versus glossy or lustrous. But what has your own research shown? — Davo, Nov 30 '17 at 12:12
Matte, dull, corroded, rusted, tarnished. Depends on what you want to describe. — Hot Licks, Nov 30 '17 at 12:55
@user159691: Opaque is the opposite of transparant/translucent. Being shiny is unrelated to opacity. Opaque things can be shiny (e.g. gold, silver), but so can translucent/transparent things (diamonds, glass) — Flater, Nov 30 '17 at 16:08

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Nov 30 '17 at 13:48

2

If the dullness of age is desirable, the finish may be referred to as a patina. (The result of oxidation on various kinds of metal.)

If a metal product is purposely manufactured with a "dull" (as opposed to "shiny") finish, it is called a satin finish.

answered Nov 30 '17 at 13:48

Oldbag

1

Your answer uses the word "dull" twice without suggesting it as an answer... To me "dull" is the word the OP is looking for. – IanF1 Nov 30 '17 at 20:37
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@IanF1 - You're absolutely right. "The metal was dull with age," is succinct and appropriate. My answer is colored by 40+ years in "retail-land" - euphemistic phrases such as: "pre-owned", "vintage", "distressed", and the like, are just what pop into my head first. Mea culpa. – Oldbag Dec 01 '17 at 14:25

1 Answers1