Copper oxidizes very easily. That is why sterling silver, which contains 7.5% copper, tarnishes so easily. I generally prefer to use Gun Blue to patinate copper - it turns dark in seconds. No smell either. Household ammonia is much slower and very pungent. But as you will see with this tutorial on how to use ammonia for blue patination of copper, the humble cleaning solution is great for color formation. The tutorial is by Creatinglinus over on Instructables.
There are some really good tips including how to make a fume chamber. I also like the fact the ammonia solution is poured onto a paper towel. The ammonia gas will be released to fill the container. As not much ammonia solution is used it is easy to dispose of after use. Just put the open container outdoors, out of reach of animals and humans, to make sure all the gas dissipates. Don't breathe in this stuff!
It is important to really clean the copper well beforehand. Otherwise, the grease and dirt will hinder the reaction with the salt and ammonia.
Note that you must seal the final piece as instructed.
Before You Go:
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
There are some really good tips including how to make a fume chamber. I also like the fact the ammonia solution is poured onto a paper towel. The ammonia gas will be released to fill the container. As not much ammonia solution is used it is easy to dispose of after use. Just put the open container outdoors, out of reach of animals and humans, to make sure all the gas dissipates. Don't breathe in this stuff!
It is important to really clean the copper well beforehand. Otherwise, the grease and dirt will hinder the reaction with the salt and ammonia.
Note that you must seal the final piece as instructed.
Before You Go:
- Gun Blue vs Liver of Sulfur Patination
- Tips on How to Use Boiled Eggs for Metal Patination
- 8 Ways to Patinate Jewelry
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Pearl your blog is awesome. I learn so much from your posts. Thank you. I love the look of this technique.
ReplyDeleteNice to see another Canadian doing some great tutorials.
ReplyDeleteI love working with copper. It takes on such beautiful hues and is so easy to patinate! Keeping the colour is the harder part.
I love that color blue. I tend to stick with Novica black because it also doesn't have fumes.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know, Shaiha about Novica Black.
DeleteI've been planning to try and use copper wire from electric cables (got the idea from some Russian crafters) and will need patinas for sure, so this is a great source!
ReplyDeleteCopper wire from used electrical cables is a good idea. But because it requires stripping the plastic off first, brand new cables is not worth the effort. You can get raw copper wire from hardware stores and electrical type stores fairly inexpensively.
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