The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Oil Rubbed Bronze - Copper

I use copper 110 for all of my exterior items, but now want to produce interior pieces FROM THE SAMPLE COPPER 110, but give it an oil-rubbed bronze "look" like many interior hardware companies now produce.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thank you

Dennis WIlson
- Lexington, Kentucky, USA
2007

Oil your (any edible oil or fat but linseed is best) objects very sparingly then heat them to 300-400 °C (with hot air gun or in kiln; you cannot use gas burner).You can colour it chemically too (50 gm copper sulphate ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] /5 gm potassium permanganate ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] /1 lit water solution--90 °C temp.,2-5 min.-this is just one of very many solutions).Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb, Croatia
2007

---

2007

Thank you for this suggestion. I tried several oils (corn oil, olive oil, etc.), but none worked. I heated the pieces to 400 degrees for anywhere from 5 minutes to one hour, in an oven. The oil just seemed to "pond" in small droplets.

Any other help is appreciated,

Thank you.

Denns Wilson
- Lexington, Kentucky, USA

I have used boiled linseed oil ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and it works very well (that is very old process called email brun/combined with fire gilt surfaces/-oil your object very ,very sparingly-very ,very,lightly oiled rag is best option,or you can use 20% shellac solution(this is "french polish" of furniture makers and restorers).Repeat if needs.Try it on some copper scrap first-that process can be used on any metal which can be heated up to 300-400 C/ from golden yellow to brown or black colour/.Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2007