How to Patina Copper

letter 2860

How to Patina Copper

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I would like to know the fastest way to age copper without using chemicals. And if I have to use chemicals what is the best product to create patina on copper and where can I get it in the New Orleans, Metairie, LA area? Thanks, Tara

Tara Rabalais
- Chalmette, Louisiana

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This patina-on-copper question is the topic of dozens of letters here, Tara, if you want to read further; but the thing to do is go to the library and find this book--

The Colouring, Bronzing, and Patination of Metals
Richard Hughes, Michael Rowe / Hardcover / Published 1991

Good luck!

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

Copper Tubing

I am trying to put a green patina finish on copper tubing. My question, is it normal for the copper tubing to turn very dark when the solution is applied. I cleaned the copper with Steel Wool [link is to product info at Rockler] then washed with Muriatic Acid [link is to product info at Amazon] and rinsed off. The patina did appear but am unsure about the very dark copper.

Jeff Rodkey
- Chambersburg Pa.

Brass Darkening Solution

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Why do copper domes and the statue of Liberty turn green and not black as they weather?

Natalie Hake
- St. Louis, Missouri

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Because the corrosion products of copper are green rather than black, Natalie.

Ted Mooney
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

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Do the prismacolor pencils create a nice red color on copper? I used Liver Of Sulphur [linked by editor to product info at MisterArt] to make the flowers black, the second part is to use acrylic paint the closest possible in color to the metal( the black color after the liver sulfur or the copper color?); and then use the color pencils in layers.
Thank you.

Dolores Lago
Teaching/special ed. - Naperville

September 22, 2008

Believe it or not, "EASY OFF" oven cleaner sprayed on a clean copper surface will blacken it as it dries. Use more coats as needed.
If you are making Mission style hardware, you need to get quite dark. several coats will be needed. I liked three.

W. Kimball Englehart
- Lancaster, California

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