Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

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

-----

Non-toxic patinas

I am looking for a non- toxic patina that will darken copper to any shade-- I am a metalworker in Colorado and am tired of using toxic chemicals -- does anyone out there- know anything about non-toxic patinas.

Thanks pam

Pam Pniak
metalworker - Durango, Colorado, USA
2004

2004

What does 'toxic' mean to you, Pam? I'm not being facetious: to the regulatory authorities it has the very precise meaning of materials that are on a particular list that are considered toxic by statute, and opinions have nothing to do with the subject. But to many people it means 'stinky' chemicals. The patina itself is a toxic material, and in some areas if you want to have a green copper roof on your home you need to install a wastewater treatment facility to deal with the green copper stains that runs off it.

But two possible options are eggs, which contains a high sulfur content and are capable of blackening most metal, and paints, which are not real patinas, but which can look good from a little distance, and don't involve any metals. Good luck.

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

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: