How to Make Brass Verdigris

Turn an old brass key into an ornament with a verdigris finish.

The color of verdigris mimics the cool aqua of still water, so it is especially attractive on the roof of a birdhouse near a pool. Verdigris is a copper salt that has a blue-green color. In ancient times artisans used the chemical to make paint, and "verdigris" is still used as the name of a color. Use brass with a coating of verdigris to add a touch of cool blue to your house or garden.

Things You'll Need

• Acetone
• Cotton cloth
• Vinegar
• Salt

Instructions

1. Remove any lacquer or varnish and clean the piece. First wipe the item with acetone; then dip the item into boiling water and let it boil for a few seconds. When the piece is cool enough to handle, clean it by wiping it all over with a clean dry cloth. Acetone is widely available as a nail polish remover.

2. Soak your item for 1 hour in a mixture of vinegar and salt. Use 1 tbsp. of salt for each cup of vinegar.

3. Bake the item in a 450 F oven for 20 minutes.

4. Soak the hot item in the vinegar solution until you are pleased with the color.

5. Shake off the excess vinegar and allow the brass to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean large items by wiping them with acetone and then with a hot, wet cloth. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat.

• You may polish the item with steel wool if you wish to remove the verdigris in specific places.

• Do not use cookware, utensils or dishes with a verdigris coating.

• Keep items with a verdigris finish out of the reach of children.

• Wash your hands after handling items coated with verdigris.

References

• University of Minnesota: Salt and Vinegar on Copper
• Steam Punk Lab: How to Age Brass