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Formula for copper patina solution

Please help me obtain the correct formula (chemicals and proportions) to make a copper aging solution that after being wrapped in saw dust and plastic wrap for 2-3 weeks, will result in a PATINA FINISH, I saw this on DIY (Do-It-Yourself Television) they do not know the correct amounts only a list of the chemicals. Any help is appreciated.
Also I have scrap silver I've accumulated throughout the years how can I simply silver plate items, and the cure bath solutions needed..

Thanks,

Harry Garte
private homeowner - Miami, Florida
2003

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2003

There are many patinizing procedures, so please tell us any ingredients you know of.

A homeowner / hobbyist cannot do actual silver electroplating. It requires deadly poisonous cyanide, but there are commercially available products like Nushine [on eBay or Amazon] or Jax silver plating solution [affil links] which will at least wipe on a thin (and probably rather temporary) new layer.

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

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2003

I was just looking for copper patina recipe and was to DIY site and found the complete recipe (with amounts) on David Marks workshop. Copper Patina Mixture Following is the list of ingredients and procedures for the copper-patina solution provided by David Marks. Safety Alert: The copper patina solution is toxic. Follow safety precautions, and always wear rubber gloves [on eBay or Amazon] when working with wood stains, solvents and other toxic chemicals.

Ingredients:

Ammonium chloride, 1/2 ounce

Copper sulphate, 1/2 ounce

Household salt, 1/4 ounce

Hot water, 8 ounces

Zinc chloride, 1/16 ounce

Sawdust, 1/2-dozen handfuls, or enough to cover the copper surface of the project. acetic acid [on eBay or Amazon] or vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon], 1/8 ounce

Mixture and application:

Always add the chemicals to the water. Never add the water to the chemicals. Stir chemicals and water until everything has dissolved. Use a spray bottle with water and dampen sawdust. Then mix the chemical solution into the sawdust (figure A). Save about 15 to 20 percent of the solution (to drip on and apply later). Spray water onto copper, press sawdust onto surface, wrap with cheesecloth, spray with water so that the cheesecloth and sawdust cling to the copper (figure B). Drip remaining chemical solution onto cheesecloth and sawdust and copper. Wrap with 4 mil plastic sheets (figure C). Seal with duct tape and set aside for three weeks. After three weeks, unwrap (figure D). Use water and an old brush to gently remove the crusty sawdust (figure E). Let the sun dry the copper surface (figure F). Finally, dab micro-crystalline wax onto surface (figure G) and let dry. Hope this helps.... there are pictures on site too if you want to see the process. http://www.diynet.com/DIY/article/0,2058,8966,00.html

corla quinney
- elrose,sk,canada

Do you own a home, Ted? If you do, then you are not qualified to use a silver patina. Apparently it's only for homeless people. Ivy Castiel - Threeforks, Montana, USA Hi, Ivy. If I were homeless and living out of a shopping cart I'd be able to find my grammar book. But I've misplaced it somewhere in this big old house, and you can see the consequences. Regards, Ted Mooney, P.E. Striving to live Aloha finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey