Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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How can we make our trim get a patina?

Q. We put copper on the trim of our house 2 years ago. Instead of a green patina color, it looks like aluminum, or stainless steel. Do we have to do something to the copper when it is put on to get the patina color? Or will it continue and turn as time goes on.

Thanks! We're confused!

Debbie Allen
- Redding, California, USA
2003

A. No it should turn green in time.

Simon Dupay
- Roseville, Minnesota
2003

December 7, 2010

Modern Masters Green Patina
from eBay or
Amazon

(affil links)

A. Hi. Simon is right. In 2 or 3 generations, 4 at the most, it will be a beautiful shade of green. If you are impatient, you may wish to apply a patinating solution in the meanwhile :-)

hoboken carousel_bldg

But if it looks silver colored like aluminum or stainless steel, instead of the color of a penny, what evidence do you have that it is copper?

Luck and Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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