Copper patina recipe?

Creative Arts
1

I need suggestions please for a mild patina on copper - something that approximates “old penny” or possibly just a little more aged. I have an elaborate texture/design that I don’t want to obscure, just age it a little.

I already know that some variation of salt plus vinegar and/or ammonia just deposits copper salt (green) crystals on the surface. That doesn’t really accomplish my purpose.

Homemade is preferable because I just have one small part, but commercially available is possible also.

Chris

2

This works pretty well, Patina Activator If I’m at the DMS your free to use some mine, I won;t be in there until Tuesday. I’m usually in the CA room working on something.

3

Here you go: http://www.wikihow.com/Oxidize-Copper

Googling for getting patina on copper gives you many more sites to examine.

4

Try this article by David Marks: Metal Patinations - David J. Marks

5

Gun blue. works great on brass, available in most sporting goods sections in Texas.

https://www.birchwoodcasey.com/Refinishing/Metal-Finishing/Perma-Blue®-Liquid-Paste-Gun-Blue.aspx

6

Carries water based patinas… along with a great selection of metals

7

The Gun blue FAQs say it only adheres to 100% steel, but it sounds like you have been successful with brass. Have you tried copper?

8

I have one thqt darkens quite a bit, I know I will be out on Wed for several hours, I can bring it then and even leave it in the jewelry toolbox

9

Yep, works great on copper as well. It may “stick” better to steel, but it doesn’t come off with casual handling, steel wool or sandpaper is needed. I usually overshoot the level of patina I want, then bring it back down with 0000 steel wool, but as always YMMV.