How to patina brass

A. Hello, Tyler. Although you can buy a commercial brass darkener [brass darkening solution [on eBay or Amazon]] easy enough, there are just so darned many colors and shades that, unless you just want "dark", having a good picture of what you are seeking can be important. I think the best answer just might be: borrow this book from your library .

"The Colouring, Bronzing & Patination of Metals" [adv: this book on eBay, Amazon, AbeBooks]
Richard Hughes, Michael Rowe / Hardcover / Published 1991

Good luck!

A. It depends on what color effect you're trying to get. Here's a couple formulas --

Verde: copper sulphate [on eBay or Amazon]8 parts, Ammonium Chloride 4 parts, Sodium Chloride 4 parts, Zinc Chloride 1 part, Glacial acetic acid [on eBay or Amazon] 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 sulphate 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.

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

A. Hi, Jory. Smoothness and consistency is important, so multiple very thin coats, sprayed or brushed, surely beats a poured coat. Good luck.

Regards,