Expert: Carolyn Whitehorn - 11/8/2004

Question
I purchased an old brass mirror at a thrift shop over the weekend and was hoping to create a tarnished blue/green patina.  Do you know of any products that would help speed up the oxidation process?

any help is appreciated!
Thank you,

Adam Loucks

Answer
Most crafts stores now carry several different oxidisers, one for blues and one for greens, among others. Usually they are sold (in craft stores) to oxidise copper spray on projects, but if there is no one near to you who carries this, I will give you the addresss and phone number of a jewelry supply that does carry it.
(I would go look it up for you right now, but I am recovering from knee replacement surgery, and walking is not easy yet.)

It will take longer to develop on brass than on bronze or copper. Paint the liquid on and let it develope overnight, then repeat for several days or until you get the color you want.

If the brass does not oxidise after sevral days of repeated treatment, then I would suggest getting model paint in the colors you want, painting it on, and wiping it back.

Either way, you can seal it with paste wax.