Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 13, 2000 02:14am | #1

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   Michael,

   When I solder copper(roofing & gutters) I use Rubyfluid, a zinc chloride based flux. Any copper it touches will turn green practically overnight. It has a watery consistancy, so it can be easily brushed on. It may be a bit strong for what you have in mind.

   I have been told that Sherwin-williams has a product for this so check with them. I've been told that horse urine works, but who wants to try that?

   Use a piece of your scrap and try these various methods and let us know what works best.

   Good luck, John

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 13, 2000 06:24am | #2

   *It's the acid in the flux that turns the copper green. Vinager would be a safe-to-handle option and could be spritzed from a house plant spray bottle or old Windex bottle. When it's as green as you want, wash it down with lots of clear water. Knew someone who buried his copper handrails in smoldering horse manure to get a mottled brown patina to it. Then varnished it to maintian the finish. -David

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 13, 2000 08:06am | #3

   *Michael:Run an archive search. We discussed this topic about every 6 months, and if you can get past the people that always claim urine works, there are some chemical companies posted. Sur-Fin has about 6 different chemicals for various patinas, including green, orange, and brown. Check it out. A lot of acids simply turn the copper brown, so spot check. Muriatic Acid (in a very light mix) is my favorite.

1. 
   Guest_ | Jul 13, 2000 01:56pm | #4

   *salt water.... or vinegar... or urine...apply it with a copper brillo pad to speed the process..

2. 
   Michael_Bonn | Jul 15, 2000 02:35pm | #5

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   How fun would this be!? The trellis is at the front of my house and the copper is about 8' off the ground. Not only would I get to drop my pant in front of all my neighbors, but I would get to do it from the top of an 8' step ladder. There must be something the neighborhood covenants about this.

3. 
   Guest_ | Jul 15, 2000 03:16pm | #6

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   heres a link to a company that sells patina chemicals

   http://www.ssschemical.com/

4. 
   Michael_Bonn | Jul 18, 2000 02:42pm | #7

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   THANKS FOR ALL THE INFORMATION. GOOD LINKS.

5. 
   Guest_ | Jul 19, 2000 04:07pm | #8

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   I recently picked up some literature at a home show for A&C Distributors. 800-995-9946. They make or distribute liquid metal coatings and patina systems. Their literature says that the coatings are water based acrilics with ground metal in suspension. The patina soulutions can be used with their coatings or on real metal. There is quite a variety of colors and finishes. I have not used any of their products so I don't have any first hand experience, but it could be worth a try.

6. 
   Michael_Bonn | Jul 19, 2000 04:08pm | #9

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   I have built and arbor with some copper accents on it and I would like to hurry mother nature along and bring out the green patena on it. The areas where the flux ran during soldering have turned and it looks so good that I would like it all to go. Isn't there some simple product or chemical that I can apply?