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

-----

copper sulphate wash as metals colorant

Can a wash of copper sulphate [on eBay or Amazon]color iron sculptures, particularly to disguise the welds? ...It does cause the green/blue patina on copper, right?

Palli Davis
artist, but not familiar with metals - Wakeman, Ohio
March 30, 2009

Acidified copper sulphate solution can be used as immersion(or spray)copper plating on iron and low alloyed steels.On copper objects it can be used as colouring solution(20% boiling solution-brown colour).Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
April 1, 2009

April 1, 2009

copper sulphate solution will produce a copper deposit on iron or steel.
However
1/ it will have poor adhesion
2/ it will be very thin. Certainly too thin to disguise weld lines.
3/ Due to electrical potential between iron and copper, it is likely accelerate rusting. This is why iron sheeting is zinc plated not copper.

It will cost you practically nothing to get a few crystals of copper sulphate and some clean nails and try this for yourself

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England

(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: