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Thread: Copper patination question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2022
    Posts
    1

    Default Copper patination question

    Hello

    I have been experimenting with different patination 'recipes' at home on copper using white vinegar and salt etc. But as well as a lovely blue/green, some of the copper surface turns a messy, powdery orange which rinses straight off when I put the piece in water. Does anyone on here have any hints as to what this powdery orange is ? I've done quite a bit of research on the stages of copper patinas, but nowhere mentions this stage. Thank you

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Central London
    Posts
    8,845

    Default

    Well, it's obviously copper. You get it after heating, when the dark oxides that form are turned back into copper by dropping it into acid pickle.
    Beware that patinas change over time, although this can be delayed with a coating of wax, or laquer.

    An interesting patina can be achieved by brushing up coper with a wet and soapy brass brush, and when dry, spot heating it in various places with a sall pointy flame, as in my leaf brooch below.
    The effect lasts for a good while, but mysteriously vanishes if you wax it. Dennis.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails cl Copper Leaf Brooch.jpg  

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