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Old 18th Dec 2021, 2:33 pm   #1
kalee20
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Default Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

I'm just appealing for any tips on the above!

The copper in question is the pointer from an Ever Ready 5215. It's stamped out of copper sheet (it's non-magnetic so isn't plated steel). It was very dull so I cleaned and polished it - but I'd like to darken it just slightly and lacquer it.

Methods I've seen on-line include expose to gaseous ammonia (suspend in a jar with a small amount of household ammonia at the bottom), and expose to fumes from hard-boiled eggs by mashing-up the eggs and putting them in an airtight container with the copper.

The second method presumably works with hydrogen sulphide being the active agent, converting the bright copper to copper sulphide. I don't know about the ammonia (which is sulphur-free). I'll try both methods with some copper foil offcuts. But - has anyone done this, and is there any experience to share?
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Old 18th Dec 2021, 2:48 pm   #2
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

It will dull down naturally after a few weeks.
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Old 18th Dec 2021, 3:30 pm   #3
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Yes, time is the thing, with the lack of coal fires and the attendant sulphur fumes these days it will take longer.
 
Old 18th Dec 2021, 3:34 pm   #4
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

I found this... https://www.jpennyltd.co.uk/shopping...tion.php?id=50
 
Old 18th Dec 2021, 3:55 pm   #5
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Yes, when I age nickel guitar parts I suspend them in a large jar with vinegar in the bottom. Make a hole in the lid and dangle the item on a wire in the fumes. It doesn't take long to age them. I'd imagine that copper would react in a similar way, just rinse it thoroughly when you've achieved the correct colour to 'halt' further corrosion.
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Old 19th Dec 2021, 3:19 pm   #6
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

You could always wee on it...
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Old 19th Dec 2021, 3:40 pm   #7
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

In a radio programme some years ago, a guy who made reproduction antique metal items said he used to distress them by burying them in damp soil for a few days.
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Old 19th Dec 2021, 9:40 pm   #8
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Suspend it over thin bleach.
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Old 20th Dec 2021, 1:23 am   #9
kalee20
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Thanks, folks!

I tried ammonia, after 24 hours I got quite a good faint black / purple discolouration.

Mark-in-manc, I've got that running now!

The egg - somehow that seems as if it might be best (I'll have to buy some eggs), sulphides tend to be black.

Paul, yes time will dull bright copper. But I didn't want it just full, I wanted a darkened patina.

Vinegar I haven't tried. And bleach (chlorine vapour?) is one I'd not thought of, though I'd guess it would give a greenish finish, the colour of copper (II) chloride.

(Yes, I know the dangers of getting bleach and ammonia mixed!)
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Old 20th Dec 2021, 1:37 am   #10
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

I see that the "antiquing fluid" in post#4 also uses a sealing oil. I guess that if you are just looking for a certain degree of ageing, the application of some kind of sealant is advisable to stop further slow ageing over an extended period of time. I wonder whether a lacquer or a coating of a thin oil (even WD40 ?) will give the best outcome?

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Old 20th Dec 2021, 3:32 am   #11
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Contact with rubber will do it slowly.

Thats why the copper strands of wiring back in the days of rubber insulation had to be tin plated.

It might be interesting to try a more 'active' rubber, like self-amalgamating tape or Copydex.

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Old 20th Dec 2021, 8:09 am   #12
kalee20
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

I'll bet that's the sulphur content again, from the vulcanisation process! Good call, thanks again!
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Old 20th Dec 2021, 11:31 am   #13
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Quote:
Originally Posted by kalee20 View Post

Mark-in-manc, I've got that running now!
Want to re-phrase that?

Your comment about bleach, copper chloride and green verdigris cleared something up for me, as my suggestion arose from what happens to copper fittings on a urinal. But it sounds like that might be from the cleaning, as opposed to using, process. I'll be interested in a report when your experiment concludes.

For stabilisation of 'patination', a blacksmith I know (who has been turning out festive and rather substantial banana-hangers - who knew what sells in posh bits of Cheshire) tells me he uses a mix of paraffin and beeswax. This is probably not unlike a car or furniture product you already have in a cupboard somewhere.
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Old 27th Dec 2021, 1:03 am   #14
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

I've got some trial samples!

(1) A hard-boiled egg (10 minutes), mashed up, in a jar with the copper suspended above, and the lid screwed on... left for 6 hours.

(2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mark_in_manc View Post
You could always wee on it...
And left immersed for 24 hours.

(3) Finally, the copper exposed to ammonia fumes, also in a sealed jar.

Interestingly with the ammonia - the liquid ammonia solution itself turned blue (the cuprammonium ion is of course dark blue). And the copper, although darkened, was patchy consistent with drops of liquid having condensed on it and dripped off. It was not in a warm place so I'm a bit puzzled as to the mechanism which caused the circulative cycle...

Out of these, the egg (copper sulphide) has actually produced the best effect.
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Old 27th Dec 2021, 2:16 am   #15
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Interesting! You wouldn't care to take another picture including a specimen of untreated copper so we get that comparison?

B
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Old 27th Dec 2021, 6:32 pm   #16
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Quote:
Originally Posted by kalee20 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark_in_manc View Post
You could always wee on it...
And left immersed for 24 hours.
Hmm, would you buy a used radio from this man? Some sellers like to stress that their goods come from a non-smoking household. Maybe they should add that it hasn't been wee'd on either
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Old 27th Dec 2021, 6:54 pm   #17
kalee20
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bazz4CQJ View Post
Interesting! You wouldn't care to take another picture including a specimen of untreated copper so we get that comparison
See the middle sample - there was no effect!

Quote:
Originally Posted by bluepilot View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by mark_in_manc View Post
You could always wee on it...
Hmm, would you buy a used radio from this man? Some sellers like to stress that their goods come from a non-smoking household. Maybe they should add that it hasn't been wee'd on either
Who said it was household piddle? I do have access to other varieties...
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Old 27th Dec 2021, 9:41 pm   #18
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

That's one visible hoss!

I've heat tarnished copper, it just speeds up the natural process, blowtorch is good to get things going but don't overdo it. Apply spray lacquer as soon as its cool if you like the effect

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Old 28th Dec 2021, 12:04 am   #19
kalee20
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Yes, I considered using heat, but all it does is encourage the surface to oxidise and go dull. What I wanted was a darker finish - the sulphide seems to fit the bill.

Lacquering is definitely what I'll be doing!
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Old 1st Jan 2022, 9:21 pm   #20
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Default Re: Methods of darkening/distressing/antiqueing copper

Heated and plunged into vinegar.

Peter
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