Q&A for How to Oxidize Copper

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If you have a cabochon in copper wire, will these processes damage the finish on your cab?

Community Answer

It is unlikely to damage the finish on the cab. It will damage the whole stone as it will affect its structure. It totally depends on the type of stone you are working with. The softer the stone, the more porous it is, so there is a bigger possibility to ruin it. To avoid any issues, it's best not to soak your pieces in patina solutions, but apply them with a brush.

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I want to patina an item that is too big to soak and I don't think a liquid will work. The item is a plastic ceiling fan blade. I want to cover it with copper leaf. Is there a way to do this?

Community Answer

You can buy paints with copper (and other metal powder) in them, paint on a few layers of the paint and let it dry, then you can patina the object using a shop bought solution or make your own (vinegar, salt, ammonia, etc.).

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Question

I soaked my copper in vinegar/salt. After 24 hours it had a lot of turquoise and green patinas, but it all wiped off, leaving dull copper. Why did it wipe off?

Community Answer

A patina is not like a paint. It wears off. It always wears off. You can seal it with microcrystalline wax, but it won't stop a patina from eventually wearing off.

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Question

The method that appeals to me uses Miracle Gro, but what is "one part" Miracle Gro? Mine is in crystal form and each situation requires a different concentration.

Community Answer

If it calls for one part Miracle Gro and three parts water, whatever unit of measure you use, be sure it’s the same for both substances. So if you use a half cup Miracle Gro, use one and one third cups water.

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Question

If my copper piece has already turned green, how do I reverse the process back to the copper's original color? Is there a way to do this?

Community Answer

You can soak it in a solution of citric acid and hot water, or scrub it with a copper cleaner such as Penny Brite.

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