How to Patina New Copper

Patina finishes on copper items can range from rusty reds to blues and greens. This finish is achieved by years of exposure to the air and possibly outdoor elements. Many people prefer this look over the shiny, orange color of new copper. If you have recently purchased some new copper items such as light fixtures, garden accessories or planters, you can age them instantly with a few household items including salt, vinegar and ammonia.

Protective clothing
Safety goggles
Latex gloves
Denatured alcohol or acetone
Soft, cotton cloth
Petroleum
Window cleaner in spray-top bottle (non-aerosol)
1 qt. spray bottle with adjustable nozzle
2 cups white vinegar, distilled
1 1/2 cups non-sudsy ammonia
1/2 cup kosher or sea salt
Plastic trash bag, large
Wire tomato cage

Instructions

- 1
  Outfit yourself in protective clothing. Put on rubber gloves and goggles.
- 2
  Clean the smudges from the copper by rubbing denatured alcohol or acetone onto the piece with a soft, cotton cloth.
- 3
  Prepare your copper piece by rubbing petroleum jelly to the areas you do not wish to patina. This would include areas that are made of other materials.
- 4
  Spray the copper piece with window cleaner. Leave it wet; do not wipe or dry the piece.
- 5
  Combine the white vinegar, ammonia and salt in the spray bottle. Put the spray-top on the bottle and shake well until the salt has dissolved.
- 6
  Set the spray bottle nozzle to the "Mist" setting. Spray the solution evenly over the entire copper piece. This is best done outside but not in direct sunlight or wind. The piece must dry slowly and wind and sun can speed the process and cause mediocre results.
- 7
  Place a wire tomato cage over the copper item. Drape a plastic garbage bag over the tomato cage. If the item is too large, find a structure that can work as a tent for the piece. Do not let the plastic touch the copper as it will mar the patina finish.
- 8
  Check the patina process after one hour of application. Reapply the solution to spots you may have missed.
- 9
  Leave the item to process and cure overnight. Remove the bag and the cage. Wipe the petroleum jelly off any area to which it was applied. Do not wipe the green flakes or powder from the copper. This will dull and weather to become the permanent finish.

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