Question I like to use copper patina over my solder when doing a foiled glass piece. But if I frame the piece out in lead came,I'm stuck with the colord of the lead. Can I change the lead color like the copper patina?
Answer Hi Cindy,
Solder is part tin and part lead. When you put copper patina for solder on the solder seams of a copper foil project, there is a chemical reaction between the tin in the solder and the copper sulfate in copper patina. That is what makes the copper color.
Lead came does not have tin in it, so copper patina for solder will not work on lead. However, Novacan makes Lead Plate, a copper patina for lead. I have not used it, so I can't tell you what the lead looks like after using it. You might want to read this http://www.novacan.biz-web.ca/msds/msdslead.pdf before you run right out to get some.
Another product you could try, and I have used, is Rub and Buff. It is a carnauba wax finish that you rub on, let dry, then polish. It won't give you the same high sheen as copper patina, but it does give a lovely look to lead that compliments the copper on solder. Among the large assortment of colors available, it comes in Metallic, Antique Gold, Ebony (black) and (this one sounds very interesting) Patina 76364D that comes out a light turquoise color, almost like a copper penny that has started to oxidize with age. You can find it at most hobby and craft stores like Michaels or AC Moore.
Other than those two suggestions, you could tin the lead, then copper patina for solder would work. The problem with tinning lead is the fact that it melts easily and you need a fairly hot iron to get a smooth tinning job.
You could also border your work in tinned zinc came. Tinning zinc isn't a problem since it won't melt.
I hope one of these suggestions will work for you.
