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General discussion => Gun Building => Topic started by: Bart on November 30, 2010, 05:02:49 AM

Title: Aging copper ?
Post by: Bart on November 30, 2010, 05:02:49 AM
Can anyone tell me the best way to achieve patina on copper? I made a vinegar gas generator that works OK, but is there a better way?
Title: Re: Aging copper ?
Post by: westerner on November 30, 2010, 05:21:30 AM
I used ammonia to age some brass parts a while back.  I put a folded soaked paper towel and the [arts in a lidded Tupperware container. 24 hours they had nice verdigris on the parts.

               Joe.
Title: Re: Aging copper ?
Post by: Nate McKenzie on November 30, 2010, 06:55:29 AM
My wife used to do stained glass work and used a product specially made to patina copper and another for lead. She doesn't have them anymore and can't remember the name.  If you look up stained glasswork suppliers you should find it.
Title: Re: Aging copper ?
Post by: KNeilson on November 30, 2010, 07:30:29 AM
Colorwise you will be able to find anything that is/was available here.....     http://www.sculptnouveau.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=34&category=6
Hope this helps... Kerry   
Title: Re: Aging copper ?
Post by: flintman-tx on November 30, 2010, 11:48:40 AM
A few years ago, I used a product called  Dellers Darkener to put patina back on large cents when someone had cleaned them to shiny bright. It worked well. You might Google it.
Title: Re: Aging copper ?
Post by: rick landes on November 30, 2010, 08:45:26 PM
This is the exact opposite of your question, but may be a good use to clean and start your aging. Copper when heated to red and then dunked into isoprophyl alcohol will be as bright as polished. This removes all the surface junk.

I use "Iso-Heet" for this. Do use in an well vented area. I have never had the alcohol flame.

The first space shuttle had some copper parts my partner had welded up and his was how he cleaned those parts.
Title: Re: Aging copper ?
Post by: Meteorman on December 12, 2010, 02:52:37 AM
here's some formulas for various metal patinas: http://www.sciencecompany.com/patinas/patinaformulas.htm#1 (http://www.sciencecompany.com/patinas/patinaformulas.htm#1)

#1 worked great on some brass I did... but, caveat emptor.

/MM