Where theworld gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989
-----
How to oxidize copper sheet to produce colors?
Q. HELP! I saw a process done once where a man used different chemicals (acids) to create a reaction to a sheet of copper to cause the surface to become iridescent. Each chemical he used caused a different color or multiple of colors to appear on the sheet of copper. He would use a very large sheet of copper and create this surface. Afterwards he was able to cut the sheet of metal down and adhere it to certain surfaces like wood so the wood was covered in this patina type surface. Does anyone know what this process is called and how I can accomplish this myself?
Vicki Vowell- Ft. Worth Texas
2001
A. If you want sheet copper to appear 100 years old immediately use 0000 #0000 steel wool [on eBay or Amazon] and muriatic acid [affil links], just rub copper with wool and brush on muriatic acid (not diluted) and the next morning it will be green.
Jasper M Chambers- Beckley, WV
! Thanks Jasper!
But readers should recognize that the internet is like a one-room school house where you'll hear about stuff you may not yet be ready to do. Muriatic acid is strong and dangerous stuff, not to be used if any children or animals are around, and only while wearing goggles [on
eBay or
Amazon] and rubber gloves [on
eBay or
Amazon] as a minimum. And only if you prepared to very very slowly and very patiently neutralize it with baking soda [on
eBay or
Amazon]
after use.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread