When copper reacts with oxygen in the air, cupric oxide (CuO) is formed, which makes the surface of the metal a greenish color much appreciated by many people, as it gives the object a more classic appearance. If you let copper age naturally, it can take several years for what is commonly called verdigris to develop, especially if you live in a dry climate. However, if you know how to artificially age copper, you can achieve the same effect much faster - almost overnight. The process is simple and you can use the normal materials you have at home instead of using dangerous and harsh chemicals.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Prepare the Project
Step 1. Thoroughly clean the surface with a lint-free cloth (eg microfiber)
To make the aging process effective, copper must not have oils or other contaminants on the surface; you will therefore have to take some time to carefully clean the object before you get to work. Make sure the entire surface is clean, including small cracks, if you want to get a better result.
Step 2. Prepare the blend to get the effect you want
To speed up the copper aging process, the best solution is 240ml of white vinegar, 180ml of household ammonia and 50g of table salt. Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle, which makes application easier, and shake the container to mix them.
- If you want to get a good result, it would be better to use non-iodized table salt. Regardless of which one you choose, try to melt it as much as possible to avoid scratching the surface of the metal.
- If you wish, you can also put 190ml of lemon juice into the mixture. If you have this ingredient at home, add it in equal parts to the others on the list described above.
Step 3. Spray the object with glass cleaner
After dusting it thoroughly, clean it with a commercial window cleaner, even better if it's ammonia-based. After having sprinkled a first layer of product, rub it with the same cloth, polishing it and trying to remove as much dust and dirt as possible.
Spray a light coat of glass cleaner once again, but this time don't rub it. This step allows you to break the invisible surface tension, so that the mixture comes into perfect contact with the solid part of the metal
Part 2 of 2: Aging the Copper
Step 1. Cover the object with a layer of blend
Once the copper has been thoroughly cleaned and sprinkled with the glass cleaner, you need to moisten it completely with the oxidant solution. Apply the mixture thoroughly in all spaces, even the smallest ones, creating an even layer.
Do not overdo it. You don't have to wet the copper too much, otherwise it will drip all over the place. Just apply a sufficient amount of product to wet the surface and create a homogeneous patina
Step 2. Cover the object
To create moisture, it is generally recommended to put the metal in a plastic bag or drape it under a piece of plastic, to artificially create the right environment while the ingredients in the mixture act. Leave the metal undisturbed for about an hour.
If you live in a very humid region or have applied the solution during a thunderstorm, it is not necessary to wrap the copper in a plastic container. It is generally best to practice this aging process in the wettest or wettest months of the year, to make the most of the favorable climate
Step 3. Reapply the oxidant solution
Remove the object from the plastic bag and apply a layer of the mixture once more, again making sure to cover the entire surface of the metal. Then put it back into the container to create a humid environment and let the solution sit overnight.
Step 4. Keep repeating the procedure as needed
You decide the color intensity of the patina. Remove the item from the bag every morning and check it carefully to verify the result, then add more mixture and repeat the process if you want it to take on a more covering sheen.
It is generally not necessary to follow this method for too long to get the aged effect, especially if you live in a humid environment. Remember that copper ages on its own with the passage of time, so you won't have to work hard if you're going to keep the item for a long time
Step 5. Clean the metal with a clean cloth
Once you have the desired verdigris, sprinkle a clean rag with glass cleaner and use it to rub the copper to remove traces of the solution; finally put the object back in its place.
Advice
- If the object is larger or smaller, you can prepare a greater or lesser amount of solution while respecting the proportions between the ingredients.
- Once you've learned how to age copper, you can experiment with new methods using the blend in different ways. Before you spray it on the metal, you can cover some areas with paper or masking tape and create artistic designs on the surface.
