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


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Patina to make cheap-looking shiny brass camé old-looking?

I hope I am not bothering you about something that everybody - but me- knows. I bought a lovely beveled glass window for my bathroom, but the came is what I think, is a cheap-looking shiny brass. Do you have a suggestion as to what I might could apply that would make it look old, which is appropriate for the cottage? And of course, won't weaken the structure. Thank you for your time!

Tyler Boldt
Chef, home owner - Salida, Colorado
2005

You can use 5 gm potassium permanganate [on eBay or Amazon]/50 gm copper sulphate/1 lit water solution! Many proprietary solutions can be used too. Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2005

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Copper patina recipe for solder? I know copper sulphate [on eBay or Amazon]will turn solder a copper color, but the commercial stained glass patinas are richer in color. I found one company added "sulfuric acid solution" to the copper sulphate. I would like a recipe.

Brent Mitchell
studio - Julian, California
2005

Ed. note: Please see such books as Color on Metal [affil link on Amazon], "The Colouring, Bronzing & Patination of Metals" [adv: this book on eBay, Amazon, AbeBooks] , Contemporary Patination [affil link on Amazon], and Patinas for Silicon Bronze [affil link on Amazon]. If anyone wants to offer assistance on a formulation, please advise your source. Thanks.

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Tyler..looks like a beautiful window. There really is a simple solution to your dilemma. As their IS a clear coat protector over the brass frame pieces (put there to prevent tarnishing) you can merely apply solvent dyes (either brown or black or both) by towel or swab to desired areas and this will provide desired 'antique look'. Take my word for it as we do a lot of patina work on bronze, brass and copper -- even with clearcoats.

Barry Feinman
BarrysRestoreItAll

Carlsbad, California

2005

Many stained glass shops sell patinas for came that can make it turn different colors (black, brown, etc.) You could try searching for a glass supply shop in your area, or Delphiglass.com has a good selection. (no affiliation, just a happy customer)

Colleen McDonell
- Troy, Michigan
2006

Hi can any one give me a recipe for brass patina. I need to convert my soldered stained glass panels from black patina to golden(which imitates brass).

Sonia Sareen
glass studio - New Delhi, India
2006

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May 14, 2009

Recipe to make Copper solder to solder copper bezels and copper jewelry please

I would be eternally grateful

God Bless

Roma

Roma Fraser-Engler
- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada