How to Patina Copper

Making your copper look old quickly with a few household ingrediencts.

Copper pots and pans are very useful in cooking and decorative around the house in a variety of ways. Although some people prefer their copper to retain its original copper shine, others like the antique look of copper once a patina sets in. The patina is usually a greenish color and starts to work its way around the piece as it ages. This patina can be synthesized by using some basic household materials and chemicals.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tbsp. ammonium chloride, optional
• 2 oz. ammonia
• 2 tbsp. salt
• 2 quarts distilled or bottled water

Instructions

1. Mix 2 tbsp. of ammonium chloride, 2 tbsp. of salt, 2 oz. of ammonia and 2 quarts of heated, but not boiling, bottled or distilled water in a plastic bucket that will only be used for this purpose. The water doesn't have to be a certain temperature, but the solids will dissolve faster if it's warm. The ammonium chloride is optional, but will make the process go faster.

2. Place the dissolved mixture in a spray bottle after it cools.

3. Clean your copper piece thoroughly, removing any residue or oils from the surface. Dry it completely.

4. Spray the copper surface with the mixture where you want the patina to appear.

5. Let the mixture stay on for several hours and then rinse it off and dry the surface again.

6. Repeat the procedure until you achieve the patina color you want.

References

• Science Company: Patina Formulas for Brass, Bronze and Copper
• University of Wyoming: Metalworking FAQ/Compendium