How To Oxidise Copper Sheet

I got a sal ammoniac block from ace at the time but i don t see it now at their website.

How to oxidise copper sheet.

Spray the copper with a solution of salt water and then place the copper in a container that contains non detergent ammonia. Then spray on a coat of patina cocktail and leave alone to air dry. Some authorities claim that heating the copper to a working temperature gives best results. Most harsh substances are capable of oxidizing copper but you don t need to buy special acids just for that.

To quickly oxidize your copper the best mixture involves one cup 24 liter of plain white vinegar 3 4 cup 18 liter of household ammonia and 1 4 cup 19 liter of table salt. Try the solution on a small bit of copper before proceeding. The copper should not be touching the ammonia liquid but should be raised above it. As a simple project to test out the process use vinegar and salt to oxidize pennies.

Mix the ingredients into a spray bottle for easy application and shake it up to mix the ingredients thoroughly. All you need is enough amount of these products to submerge your copper item for a certain period. This will help to achieve an even patina so skip this step if you want something more patchy. Spray the patina on the clean oil free copper and let set for 2 or 3 hours to dry then repeat 3 or so more times until you get what you want.

This can be done with a small handheld butane torch like those used for plumbing. While in the bowl the dull pennies will start to brighten up as their copper oxide layer is removed. I have tried this method on finished pieces that included freshwater pearls and turquoise which are usually considered delicate materials. Here s one way to force oxidize copper.

Then clean the copper with soap and water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. Apply the los carefully and watch the reaction to the copper. Mix up a solution of white vinegar and salt in a bowl. Using the fumes of household ammonia to oxidize metal is really quite easy and is an inexpensive way to oxidize copper and brass.

Basic products like vinegar and salt can have the same effect. Prep your copper piece by cleaning it and then spraying it with window cleaner. Place pennies in the bowl for several minutes. To oxidize copper begin by scrubbing the copper with an abrasive pad and water.

Be careful not to burn yourself.