Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Trying to satisfy a client wanting a patina copper bar front

I have been employed by a client to open her restaurant in the next three weeks. She would really like to have the front of the bar in copper, with a patina that bring out the blues, greens, oranges in a blotchy sort of finish. We do have string lighting being installed under the top rail for extra special effect. I would love to achieve her wish for her, is there someone in West Cork that can do this kind of work?, if not, how can we achieve this ourselves?, would it need a finish treatment afterwards? or would it keep it's patina?

Camille Fenn
interior designer - Skibbereen, Ireland
October 23, 2008

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Hi, Camille. Letter 2662 is a start. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 25, 2008

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Camille,
You can purchase pre-patina sheets online that have the colors you are looking for. However, it is fun to experiment and create your own designs. There are a few retailers online that sell chemicals that you can purchase to create varying colors on the copper. I suggest after you achieve the patina you like, seal the surface with a few coats of lacquer to keep it protected against feet kicking the bar front and scuffing it up. Three to four coats is sufficient.

Don Angelo
Spring Hill, Tennessee
November 5, 2010