How to Age Copper

It can take five or more years for atmospheric conditions to produce a copper patina, but you can produce an attractive artificial patina in a much shorter time.

Instructions

: Wear rubber gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection when working with commercial cleaning compounds.
Step 1: Clean the surface Remove any dirt, oil, or grease from the surface of the copper object. They will interfere with the chemical action of the aging solution.
TIP: Use a commercial chemical metal cleaner such as trisodium phosphate to clean the surface.
Step 2: Prepare an ammonium chloride solution Add ammonium chloride crystals to water until no more will dissolve, and brush the solution on the thoroughly cleaned copper surface.
TIP: Ammonium chloride crystals are sold commercially as sal ammoniac.
Step 3: Prepare a patina solution Make a patina solution using one cup each of lemon juice, table salt, household ammonia, and vinegar
Step 4: Apply the patina solution to the copper surface Apply the solution to the clean metal surface and allow it to react.
FACT: Did you know? Copper is second only to silver in its ability to conduct electricity, and is an excellent conductor of heat.