If you want to add a rustic or vintage look to your copper jewelry or homeware, simply add a patina to the copper by oxidizing the copper without having to buy expensive equipment from the store. This method can make the copper brownish black, or green and blue. Each method creates a different look, so feel free to experiment as you please. Use the solution method if you want more controlled results.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Creating an Antique Look with Boiled Eggs (Light or Dark Chocolate)
Step 1. Boil two or more eggs
Two or three eggs should suffice unless you have a large amount of copper to oxidize. Place them with the shells in a pot of water and boil for at least 10 minutes. Don't worry about boiling it too long. In fact, the sulfur-smelling green color that comes from boiling too long is exactly what you need, as the sulfur will change the appearance of your copper.
Step 2. Use tongs to place the eggs into the plastic bag
Transfer the eggs to a plastic bag, especially one that can be sealed tightly, such as a ziploc. Use tongs or other utensils to place the eggs, as they will be hot. If you don't have a bag that holds objects well, use Tupperware, a bucket, or another container that can be closed or has a lid. Large containers require a large number of eggs.
Ideally, your case should be see-through so you can check the appearance of your copper without opening the case
Step 3. Mash your hard boiled eggs
Close the bag halfway when you start to prevent the eggs from spilling as you put them in. Mash the eggs in a plastic bag with a spoon, the bottom of a glass, or another heavy object. Break the shell,, white part and yolk until it becomes crumbly.
Don't close the bag completely, a bag with air inside will make it difficult for you to crush the eggs
Step 4. Place your copper object on a small plate
This will prevent them from making contact with the eggs. And saves you from having to wash them off the eggs later, this will also keep the eggs from touching the metal.
Step 5. Place the plate in the bag and seal it tightly
Place the plate containing your copper object in a plastic bag. It's okay to place the plate close to the broken egg as long as it doesn't touch the egg directly. Close and tie the bag tightly to trap the sulfur gas inside, or use a lid if you are using certain containers. The bag will expand as the egg warms up, but this won't blow up the plastic bag.
Step 6. Check regularly for changes in appearance you want
You may start to see results after the copper has been in the bag for 15 minutes, but the copper itself usually has to be allowed to stand for 4-8 hours to achieve a brownish black color. The copper will darken the longer it stays in the bag, and the copper surface will look antique, and unique. Remove the copper when you have the desired result.
Wash the copper afterward to remove any egg residue and see what the copper will look like when it's clean
Method 2 of 3: Oxidizing with a Liquid (Green, Brown, and Other Colors)
Step 1. Scrub the copper with coarse sandpaper and water
Rub the copper in one direction to give an even finish so the patina looks smooth and uncluttered. You can skip this step or experiment at will to try to create a piece of art with a unique and distinct copper look.
Step 2. Clean the copper pieces with a mild dishwashing detergent and rinse thoroughly with soap
Clean soap, grease and film on copper. Wipe and dry the copper with a soft cloth.
Step 3. Prepare a solution that matches the color you want
There are many solutions you can use to oxidize copper, depending on what color you want. Some of the ones listed here use ingredients that are usually available at home or in shops and stalls.
- Warning: Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when dealing with ammonia. The use of dust goggles and an air mask is highly recommended. Be prepared to wash your skin or eyes with running water for 15 minutes in case of spillage of ammonia.
- To create a green patina, mix 2 cups (480 ml) white vinegar, 1.5 cups (360 ml) pure non-detergent ammonia, and 0.5 cups (120 ml) salt. Mix everything in a plastic spray bottle until the salt dissolves. Use less salt to reduce the level of green in platinum.
- For brown platinum, mix the baking soda in a spray bottle filled with hot water until the added baking soda is no longer dissolved.
- You may need a commercial antique solution and follow the instructions on the package to get the color you want. Liver or Sulfur products are very commonly used on copper.
Step 4. Place your copper outdoors or indoors with good air circulation before using the solution
Line the bottom with newspaper to protect the floor surface from spills.
Step 5. Spray copper at least twice a day
Spray the copper with the solution and wait for an hour to see it change. Once that's done, you can re-spray every hour, focusing on areas where the patina hasn't changed color. Alternatively, spray the patina twice a day until the patina becomes visible. Leave him outside during this period to speed up the oxidation process.
- If you want to have finer control over where the patina should appear, simply scrub with a scotch brite brush, copper brush, or cotton swab after spraying. Wear gloves and safety glasses if your solution contains ammonia or other harmful chemicals.
- If you are in a humid place, place a plastic bag or cover on the object to keep it wet. Use a frame or place it between larger objects to prevent the plastic from hitting the copper.
Method 3 of 3: Oxidizing by Other Methods
Step 1. Make your copper green and blue with Miracle Gro products
You can use Miracle Gro fertilizer solution to oxidize your copper quickly. Mix an amount of Miracle Gro with three measures of water for a blue patina, or with wine vinegar for a green color. Use with a spray bottle or washcloth, doing it slightly unevenly for a more natural color and appearance. It will turn into a patina in 30 minutes, and be in a more stable state within 24 hours.
Step 2. Submerge the copper in white vinegar
White vinegar can produce a blue or green patina on copper, but it takes another material to keep the vapors close to the metal. Let the copper soak in the white vinegar and salt, or just bury it in powdered husks or even potato chip powder, then rinse the mixture with vinegar. Place in a closed container for 2 to 8 hours, check the color regularly, then remove and dry. Use a soft brush to remove dense material.
Step 3. Create a light blue color using ammonia vapor and salt
Fill a container with 1.25 cm of pure, non-detergent ammonia, in an open or well-ventilated area. Spray the copper with salt water, and place it "on" the liquid ammonia, or on a block of wood. Cover the container and check again every hour or two until the copper is brownish black with blue spots. Remove from the bucket and air dry until a bright, blue color develops.
- Warning: Always wear gloves when handling ammonia. Do not use containers used to store ammonia as food or drink containers.
- The more salt used, the clearer the color will be.
Tips
- If you have a chemical kit, try mixing your own patina solution. in this collection. Be aware that a solution formed from many sources can produce a different color than expected.
- Mix the solution in the container that will be used for the copper patina process, and use boto spray for this purpose only.
- Your new patina will last longer if you use a copper sealant or wax product on your copper. Do not use water-based sealants on patina made with ammonia.
Warning
- Never mix ammonia with bleach solutions or other household cleaning products.
- When using ammonia, especially indoors, make sure there is good air circulation. Do not let ammonia get in your eyes.
