Step-by-Step Copper Patina
Adding patina to a copper item gives it a unique, antique look. You can wait years for an item to gain an older look, or you can apply patina on your own for an instant transformation. Copper patina is a molecular reaction between tin and the copper sulfate found in the patina product that you will buy. The reaction must be on a clean surface, so you must spend some time working on the item before you actually add the patina.
Things You'll Need
- Copper item
- Copper wax (car wax will do)
- Cloth or paper towel
- Copper patina
- scrubbing pad
Instructions
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1
Apply wax to your copper item. Make sure to include any glass or solder lines. Use a cloth or paper towel to apply the wax. Buff and polish the copper, glass and soldering until no more black comes off the item. The black is oxidation that has formed on the copper.
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2
Pour a small amount of copper patina on your copper item. Use a piece of scrub pad to apply it. Make sure to cover the solder line well with the patina. Use a paper towel or rag to wipe up any excess that drips off the item. Cover the entire object with the patina.
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3
Leave the object to dry. If the copper item has depth, like a box, prop it up so all sides are exposed to air in order to dry. Let the object dry completely.
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4
Apply wax to the patina-covered item as you did in Step 1. Make sure you have waited until the patina has dried everywhere on the item before you add the wax. Use a small brush to get rid of excess wax in the soldering. Make sure you polish well, leaving no spots. The item should shine after you have applied the wax on top of the patina.
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5
Apply more wax as needed to clean your item over time. The wax cleans any glass on the item and keeps the copper shining.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase patina from a craft store or a glass store. You can also purchase patina from the Internet. Make sure that you buy copper patina, not patina for lead or zinc.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
