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What chemical can I use to turn a copper pipe verdigris?

Q. I want to turn a copper pipe that I am using for a curtain rod verdigris. What chemical can I use to produce the bluish green color?

Randy W [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- Washington, DC, USA
2003

Modern Masters Green Patina
from eBay or
Amazon

(affil links)

A. Hi, Randy. If you are a homeowner wanting to do this for the first time for a window in your home, and wishing only to spend limited time on it, please search the site and you will see some suggestions of chemicals you can try like vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon] and salt or muriatic acid [affil links], but I wouldn't expect professional looking results without a significant effort. An alternative would be to do a vertigris finish with something like Jax Patina [affil links].

If you are interested in beautiful verdigris finishes and patinas of other colors, directed more towards the artist than a home handyman, please try to get access to a copy of the book listed near the top of this page. Good luck with the project!

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

July 17, 2009

Q. I am a lower Secondary student who want to do an experimental Science project.I want to compare which Acid can form most copper verdigris on copper nail? Anyone who know please advise me how to do this experiment and the steps asap. Thanks.

Teresa L. [last name deleted for privacy by Editor] student - Singapore

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