Expert: Peter Coombs - 11/12/2000

Question
would like to know of an easy way to make copper  turn green

Answer
Hello Jerry,

Unfortunately copper is not so easy to turn green as other materials, which are easily patinated with vapour.
Probably the simplest formula is
Copper Sulphate 100gm
Lead ACetate 100gm
Ammonium CHloride 10gm
Water 1 litre
Apply to the surface with damp cotton wool and leave on for a period of 10-20 hours. Cootton Wool should remain moist for the entire period.
When complete remove object, wash in cold water, and air dry, colour gradually darkens with exposure to daylight.
When colour fully developped you can wax finish it.
This gives a very uniform colouring.

You can also apply a similar liquid by paint brush to a warm flamed object, and continually add more as it dries off with the heat.
This should be done in a very airy place as the fumes are really not good to inhale.

Good Luck, P