How to Add Copper Green Patina to Gutters

Copper gutters can be an elegant addition to your home. While all copper gutters will eventually develop a green patina, you can choose to delay the process by adding a sealant. You can also hasten the patination, if you prefer the vintage look of a green copper gutter, by using a chemical wash. You cannot create a copper green patina on gutters that are not copper.

Things You'll Need

• Copper gutters
• Ammonium chloride
• Cupric nitrate
• Calcium chloride
• Distilled cold water
• Digital scale
• Work gloves
• Bucket
• Rag
• Ladder

Instructions

1. Mix the chemicals as follows: 80 grams each of calcium chloride, cupric nitrate and ammonium chloride. Add distilled cold water until you have two liters of patina formula. This formula takes several applications to turn your gutters green, but it can be used on cold copper rather than heated copper, making it ideal for home applications.

2. Climb onto the roof of your house. Use a rag or sponge to wash the gutters with this chemical solution. If you want, pour some of the chemical formula over the lip of the gutter spout so that it drips down the side.

3. Manually wash the gutter spouts on the ground, using a ladder to access the second story and the eaves of the house. This helps ensure an even coating of chemical formula on the gutters, resulting in a more even green hue.

4. Wait one-half hour before applying another round of patina. Repeat the patina application process, allowing half an hour between each round.

5. Continue until the desired shade of green is reached.

Tips & Warnings

• Always take care when using chemicals. Wear gloves and avoid touching your face or eyes.

• You can purchase a digital scale from kitchen supply stores for approximately $30 in 2010.

• Do not attempt to mix chemicals without properly measuring them on a scale since improper measurement could change the resulting patina.

References

• Gutter Works: Copper Gutters FAQ
• Science Company: Copper Patina Formulas