Getting copper pipe to turn green

Letter 10676

Getting copper pipe to turn green

I am making a deck railing of cedar and 1/2" copper pipe. I would like the pipe to turn green without waiting 20 years. Any suggestions on what I could brush on the pipe to get it to turn green?

Patrick Q
- Juneau, AK, USA

Hello Patrick,

Here's a patina formula I found online that will give copper that bluish-green antique look you desire: Take 8 ounces of salt and 8 ounces of ammonium chloride and mix them with a quart of vinegar. Mix in a half ounce of ammonia when you are ready to put it on the copper. Spread it on with a soft brush and let it sit for 24 hours. If you want it darker, repeat the formula and let it sit another 24 hours. When it's done and has sat for a full day, wash it down and protect it with wax or lacquer.

Good luck,

Jake Koch
G. J. Nikolas & Co., Inc.

Bellwood, Illinois

In the summertime, spray it with a spritz bottle with a mixture of salt, vinegar and water every morning and night. Green in about 2 weeks. When you get the green you like, rinse it with a hot water spray twice a day for a week. Then polish it with felt or canvas and wax it.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

To turn copper green spray with 1/2 strength Muriatic Acid [link is to product info at Amazon]. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Place in sun. With in 24 hours it will look like 100 years old.

Thomas A
- MC FARLAND, Wisconsin

I am trying to age the copper on the overhangs of my house by turning them from what now looks like a dirty copper color to and aged green color. I have seen several suggestions for doing so: muriatic acid, ammonium chloride and vinegar, and something called patina. Can I get some advice on what would work best?

Bryan H
home maintenance - Mount Laurel, NJ

Ed. note: a source for this is Modern Options Patina Green Antiquing Set

Bryan H of Mount Laurel, NJ asked a question regarding the best way to turn his copper house overhangs to an aged green color. There was no response to his question. I am also looking for the best solution to this problem. Is there an appropriate answer?

Esta S
- Los Angeles, CA

Hello Esta. It's a public forum and anyone is welcome to respond, but so far they haven't. The general question was already answered with three possible approaches, while the exact response he requests (i.e., for someone to point out which two of these suggestions are inferior to the third) can't be provided without insulting two of the three good Samaritans who answered the question :-)

Muriatic acid is powerful stuff that must be treated with respect; the patina are made for the purpose but probably expensive compared to household chemicals.

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

Thanks Ted, I did see and appreciate, the helpful answers of the "Samaritans" who did respond. But like Bruce H of Laurel, N.J., I was hoping to hear from someone who had tried at least a couple and found one better than the others. Guess, I'll have to try them all myself!

Esta S [returning]
- Los Angeles, CA

May sound crazy, but I used miracle grow diluted w/ water on my copper bays and it worked. It's much safer, easier and better for the environment than muriatic acid.

Steph West
- Boston, MA

-- appended to existing thread by editor

I have a large copper job to do and I know there is a chemical reaction that will make the copper green without having to wait for the elements.

Teresa C
fabrication student - Powder Springs, Georgia

++++++

THE VINEGAR, WATER SALT SOLUTION WORKS SUPER I JUST TRIED IT ON 3 RAIN CHAINS I HAVE (IF YOU WANT THE BRIGHT SHINY COPPER LOOK AGAIN) BUT I DID YOU APPLE VINEGAR HE DIDN'T DISCERN WHICH TYPE TO USE OR NOT USE I WAS LOOKING FOR THE GREEN TOO. DON'T USE THAT VINEGAR, I KNOW KETCHUP WILL SHINE UP COPPER TOO.

GREG S
- N.S.L., Utah

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