Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
-----
How to tarnish a copper-leafed wall
Q. I have just finished applying copper leaf to a wall in my own, and now I want to give the entire wall a tarnish.
On test boards, I have tried applying a liquid "darkening" solution, but this is difficult to apply (it leaves very noticeable drip marks) and gives me a very dark finish which doesn't allow the luster of the copper to come through.
How can I give this wall a natural looking tarnish, or accelerate the natural tarnishing process.
Thanks,
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
2002
Q. I would like to know how to do this as well. Have you gotten any answers or found out how to do this? What darkening agent did you use?
Ron Brown- Waukesha, Wisconsin
2003
Q. Did you ever find out how to tarnish the copper leaf? I am trying to do this to a ceiling and don't know what to use. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
- Clayton, Missouri, USA
2003
A. I think some copper leaf is coated to prevent tarnish, and some may not be 100% copper.
If you really want to risk it, Barkeepers Friend [on
eBay or
Amazon] cleanser could work (it removed the copper antique patina of my backsplash when I was trying to remove the epoxy grout haze) ... but since it is copper leaf, I wouldn't recommend it since it is too fragile and you could ruin it. I would --gently-- rub it on and wipe off with gentle soap and water, and wipe off with water ... then you can test to see if you can add patina to the copper. Then seal it if you got the result.
- Roanoke Virginia
June 21, 2016
Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread