Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Antiquing of copper and brass

Can anyone help by giving informations about antiquing of copper and brass? I need information about the make up solution, the process and the maintenance, or maybe give me book reference on this topic.

Thanks,

Benny Lin
- Jakarta, Indonesia
2003

---

The oxidizing of copper or bronze is not a simple matter to achieve good results. It takes years to master this ART. Results are dependent on many variables, some are within the artists control. The substrate has much to do with the end result and can present many challenges to the artist. In short, I know of no publication that would guide the "lay-person" into this process without hands-on experience.

Bruce Smith
Hayward,WI, United States
2003

---

2003

Brown for copper and its alloys:

copper sulphate.........

5 gm potassium permanganate [on eBay or Amazon]...

5o gm water....................1 lit

Hot immersion(9o C)!2-5 min.

Green for copper and its alloys:

ammonium carbonate......

25o gm ammonium chloride.......

25o gm water...................1 lit

May be sprayed or brushed on object!

For best result you must use brown colour first and then green!

Only grease and oxide free objects can be coloured!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb,Croatia