How To Oxidise Copper Sheet

The copper should not be touching the ammonia liquid but should be raised above it.

How to oxidise copper sheet.

To see the birdhouses i built check out this video. Try the solution on a small bit of copper before proceeding. Using the fumes of household ammonia to oxidize metal is really quite easy and is an inexpensive way to oxidize copper and brass. Apply the los carefully and watch the reaction to the copper.

Prep your copper piece by cleaning it and then spraying it with window cleaner. Mix the ingredients into a spray bottle for easy application and shake it up to mix the ingredients thoroughly. As a simple project to test out the process use vinegar and salt to oxidize pennies. Then spray on a coat of patina cocktail and leave alone to air dry.

Here s one way to force oxidize copper. All you need is enough amount of these products to submerge your copper item for a certain period. While in the bowl the dull pennies will start to brighten up as their copper oxide layer is removed. The sealed container will trap ammonia vapors that will then make contact with the copper.

You can also soak sawdust with the patina and pack it around the copper piece and seal it in a plastic bag for a day or 3. I have tried this method on finished pieces that included freshwater pearls and turquoise which are usually considered delicate materials. Some authorities claim that heating the copper to a working temperature gives best results. I got a sal ammoniac block from ace at the time but i don t see it now at their website.

Basic products like vinegar and salt can have the same effect. Most harsh substances are capable of oxidizing copper but you don t need to buy special acids just for that. To oxidize copper begin by scrubbing the copper with an abrasive pad and water. 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.

Spray the copper with a solution of salt water and then place the copper in a container that contains non detergent ammonia. Then clean the copper with soap and water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. Be careful not to burn yourself. This can be done with a small handheld butane torch like those used for plumbing.

Place pennies in the bowl for several minutes.