Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Chemically Active Penetrating Oil Finish for Bronze Cymbals?

October 30, 2009

Hi, My name is Fred. I'm a musician,let me correct that, a drummer/percussionist.
My question is about cymbals which I have been treating for several months in various ways, in order to alter their appearance, and hence, automatically their sound.
These are "new" cymbals, which were without patina, until I began work on them.
They do vary, but are all in the B20 range.
For a month during this past summer, they sat in the sun, under a Formic coating which I made up from ants and boiling water, pennies soaked in the liquid, with the ants.
Then I made a separate coating solution using various household products, and again the cymbals sat in the sun for a month.
Now I would like to be able to wash them off, and control their curing and colouring process, as well as protect them.
They are becoming a deep yellow, with interesting trends towards maroon or pink/brown, ( which I know will continue to intensify ).
I've already eliminated waxes, perhaps, prematurely ?
Is there a commercial oil, or can I formulate one which will :
-Enhance red/yellow orange colouration, ( directing tarnish away from the olive green type of tarnish )
-Is thin and so will penetrate, with minimum build-up, ( so that the sound qualities are least affected ),
-provide an integrated, ( with the metal ) protection against humidity and handling.

I am not asking about this for any commercial application what so ever. I want MY cymbals to produce particular sounds and show in a warm colour range. Can you help, please ?
It is a complete love of bronze cymbals and their contribution to sound which has directed my interest in combining organic compounds and elements, with inorganic elements, to create sounds which are musically connective. I can see and hear that I'm on the right track, but, now, I need help.
Thank-you,

Fred Krammer
Musician - Victoria, B.C. Canada

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November 2, 2009

Try next wax formula(used in metals conservation):
100 gm microcrystaline wax
25 gm polyethilene wax
230 gm white spirit
Melt waxes, Mix them,add white spirit-very combustible, be careful.Result is white paste! wax [affil links] is good and well known proprietary product.Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb,Croatia

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Thanks' Goran, I'll try both on various cymbals.
As it's coming on winter here, probably working out doors and at a bit of a distance will be the best for the home made mixture!
Also, thank-you for the posting, finishing.com,and the quick turn around with my enquiry. I love to work with metal in a number of hobbyist ways, and this site is just the very best place to come for truly world-class information. It's entertaining and as much an educational resource, as it is a helpful product and services guide.
Fred. Thanks !

Fred Krammer
- Canada
November 11, 2009

You can try oiling with olive oil (use it very very sparingly-cheap brands are OK).Sunflower oil can be used too(any edible oil can be used).Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb,Croatia
November 19, 2009