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How to patina brass 

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I'm looking for a way to patina brass sign letters. What do you recommend?

Tyler Brown
- Alexandria, Virginia

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Hello, Tyler. I think the best answer may be: get this book from your library --

Colouring, Bronzing & Patination of Metals [link is to product info at Amazon]
Richard Hughes, Michael Rowe / Hardcover / Published 1991

There are so many colors and shades, that having a good picture of what you are seeking is important. Good luck!

Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

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It depends on what color effect you're trying to get. Here's a couple formulas: Verde Copper Sulfate 8 parts Ammonium Chloride 4 parts Sodium Chloride 4 parts Zinc Chloride 1 part Glacial Acetic Acid 3 parts DI Water 128 parts This is a dip or brush on process. The coating needs to be preserved with some kind of sealer or lacquer to be stable. Light Green Ammonium Chloride 16 parts Sodium Chloride 16 parts Ammonium Hydroxide 16 parts This formula supposedly is stable without preservative. Copper Sulfate can be added to darken the green color, if desired. The book mentioned in the previous letter is indeed excellent. There is also "Contemporary Patination" by Ron Young.

Dave Wichern - The Bronx, New York

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Tyler - Several chemical companies have antiquing solutions available - Hubbard-Hall has Mi-Tique Patina. This is a room temp process for copper and brass.

Dan Brewer
chemical process supplier - Gurnee, Illinois

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ADVICE ON lacquerING OF ORNAMENTAL BRASS AND STERLING SILVER, INCLUDING MIXTURE OF LACQUER AND THINNER AND APPLICATION METHODS INCLUDING POURING OVER SURFACES. ANY ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS APPRECIATED.

THANKS,

JORY NEWMAN
- PIKESVILLE, Maryland

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May 20, 2010 Hi, Jory. Smoothness and consistency is important, so multiple thin coats, sprayed or brushed, probably beats a poured coat. Good luck. Regards, Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Brick, New Jersey