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

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How to turn sandblasted copper sculpture orange again?

I am sculpting with sand blasted copper and have removed the shiny orange finish. It is now a soft, almost-skin tone. Is it possible to treat it with something that will give it the orange colour again?

Marnie Smith
Artist - Victoria, B.C., Canada
April 6, 2008

Hi, Marnie. You need what is called a "copper brite dip". These involve strong oxidizing acids, so it would be best to find a metal finishing shop to do it for you. If not, the least hazardous of them is probably sulfuric acid plus hydrogen peroxide. However, it might be worth a try to use lemon juice plus salt, which will give it a salmony color, followed by polishing with something like Brasso ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . Try it on a non visible part of your sculpture as you may not like it.

Regards,

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

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