When copper reacts with oxygen in the air, it forms copper oxide (CuO), giving copper a slightly greenish tint that some people like for its classic appearance. When copper is allowed to age naturally, it can take years to produce what is known as a verdigris patina, especially in dry climates. However, if you know how to purposefully age copper, you can get the same effect much quicker, almost overnight. The process is easy and you can do it using ordinary household appliances, instead of using harmful and damaging chemicals.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing the Project
Step 1. Wipe the surface thoroughly with a lint-free towel
For the aging process to be effective, the copper surface must be free of grease and any contaminants, which means you will need to take more time to clean the object before you age the copper. Be sure to clean the entire surface, including any small crevices for best effect.
Step 2. Mix the aging compound
To oxidize your copper quickly, the best mixtures contain one cup (240 ml) of table vinegar, 3/4 cup (180 ml) of liquid household ammonia, and 1/4 cup of table salt. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle for easier application, then shake the bottle to mix the ingredients completely.
- For best effect, it is better to use non-iodized table salt. No matter what type of salt you use, try to dissolve it well to prevent scratching your copper.
- Some aging compound recipes often also add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of lemon juice to the compound mixture. If you have lemon juice, use an equal measure of all the ingredients listed above.
Step 3. Spray the object with glass cleaner
After cleaning the item completely, clean it with a glass cleaner available on the market. We recommend choosing an ammonia-based glass cleaner. After applying a small amount of spray, wipe with the same towel, removing as much dust and dirt as possible.
Spray some more copper with glass cleaner, but don't wipe it this time. This facilitates the destruction of the copper surface layer so that the aging compound directly hits the copper itself
Method 2 of 2: Aging Copper
Step 1. Coat the object with the patina mixture
After you have cleaned the copper piece and have sprayed it with glass cleaner, apply an aging compound, completely covering the object. Make sure to coat even the smallest crevices, and make an even layer.
Don't overspray. There's no need to spray the copper pieces so they're wet so they're dripping all over the place. Just spray as needed to evenly moisten the coating
Step 2. Layer things
To create a humid environment, it is usually recommended that you put the copper object in a plastic bag, or place it under a plastic awning to create an artificial environment while the aging compound works. Let the copper pieces rest for about 1 hour.
If you live in an area with high humidity levels, or if you apply the compound mixture during a rainstorm, you don't need to create an artificial environment out of plastic. In general, this is an opportunity to try to age copper at the height of the wettest and wettest seasons, to give you the best natural benefits of the environment
Step 3. Reapply the aging compound
Remove the item from the plastic and spray again with the patina mixture, making sure once again to coat the entire metallic surface. Place it back in the bag or tent that moistens the copper and leave it overnight.
Step 4. Continue applying the compound as you like
The level of staining you want on the copper piece is up to you. Every morning, remove the copper piece from the bag and inspect it thoroughly, then add compound if needed and repeat the process if you want more color to appear on the copper piece.
In general, you probably don't want to age your copper scraps using this method for too long, especially if you live in a humid climate. Also keep in mind that copper will naturally age on its own, so you don't have to overdo it to get the effect you want on an object you'll have for a long time
Step 5. Wipe the object with a clean towel
Once you've got the color you want, spritz some glass cleaner on a clean towel and wipe the item to remove any traces of aging compound and put the copper back in its place.
Tips
- For larger or smaller projects, use the same ratio in the composition to create more or less aging solution.
- Once you know how to age copper, you can experiment with using the patina just like you would with normal equipment. Before you spray the oxidizing mixture on the copper, cover a portion of the area with paper or tape to create an elemental design on the surface.
