Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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How to patina brass
Q. I'm looking for a way to patina brass sign letters. What do you recommend?
Tyler Brown- Alexandria, Virginia
1999
by Hughes & Rowe
on AbeBooks
or eBay or
Amazon
(affil links)
A. Hello, Tyler. Although you can buy a commercial brass darkening solution ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] h, there are so darned many colors & shades that, unless you just want "dark", having a good picture of what you are seeking can be important. I think the best answer just might be: borrow this book from your library, "The Colouring, Bronzing & Patination of Metals" ⇨
Good luck!
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
A. It depends on what color effect you're trying to get. Here's a couple formulas --
Verde: copper sulphate ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] 8 parts, Ammonium Chloride 4 parts, Sodium Chloride 4 parts, Zinc Chloride 1 part, Glacial acetic acid ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] 3 parts, DI Water 128 parts. This is a dip or brush on process. The coating needs to be preserved with some kind of sealer or lacquer to be stable.
Light Green: Ammonium Chloride 16 parts, Sodium Chloride 16 parts, Ammonium Hydroxide 16 parts. This formula supposedly is stable without preservative. copper sulphate can be added to darken the green color if desired.
The book mentioned in the previous letter is indeed excellent. There is also "Contemporary Patination" by Ron Young.
Dave Wichern
Consultant - The Bronx, New York
1999
A. Tyler - Several chemical companies have antiquing solutions available - Hubbard-Hall has Mi-Tique Patina. This is a room temp process for copper and brass.
Dan Brewerchemical process supplier - Gurnee, Illinois
1999
Q. ADVICE ON LACQUERING OF ORNAMENTAL BRASS (AND STERLING SILVER), INCLUDING MIXTURE OF LACQUER AND THINNER AND APPLICATION METHODS INCLUDING POURING OVER SURFACES. ANY ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS APPRECIATED.
THANKS,
JORY NEWMAN- PIKESVILLE, Maryland
2003
May 20, 2010
A. Hi, Jory. Smoothness and consistency is important, so multiple very thin coats, sprayed or brushed, surely beats a poured coat. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Antiquing brass to bronze colour
Q. Hi, I have recently purchased some of John Penny cold patina solution. My goal is to turn it dark brown to a deep bronze colour. This works well but after a few days it starts to come off and a pink colour emerges. I am guessing this is the copper in the brass coming to the surface. Anybody had this happen after antiquing brass. Any ideas how to stop this happening?
Thanks
Alex
- eckington worcs uk
February 25, 2014
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