You can quickly turn copper green by creating an accelerated oxidation environment using common household items.
Here's a method to achieve this accelerated aging (patina) process:
Accelerated Patina Method
This method utilizes ammonia vapor, salt, and vinegar to encourage the formation of copper carbonate, the green patina.
Materials:
- Copper item
- Glass or plastic container with a lid (doesn't need to be airtight)
- Coarse salt (e.g., sea salt, rock salt)
- Ammonia (household strength)
- Vinegar (white vinegar works well)
- Plastic wrap (optional)
Procedure:
- Prepare the Container: Place the copper item in the container.
- Add Salt: Cover the bottom of the container around the copper item with a generous layer of coarse salt.
- Introduce Moisture: Add a few drops of ammonia and a few drops of vinegar over the salt, just enough to barely dampen the salt. Do not pour liquid directly onto the copper. The goal is to create vapors.
- Seal (Loosely): Cover the container with plastic wrap or the lid. The container shouldn't be completely sealed. Some air exchange is beneficial.
- Wait and Observe: Let the container sit. Check the copper periodically. The time it takes for the copper to turn green will vary depending on the humidity, temperature, and concentration of the ammonia. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
- Monitor and Adjust: If the process seems slow, you can add a very small amount of additional ammonia/vinegar to the salt.
- Remove and Rinse (Optional): Once you achieve the desired green patina, carefully remove the copper item. You can gently rinse it with water to remove any excess salt residue. Be aware that rinsing may slightly alter the final patina.
- Seal (Optional): Consider sealing the surface with a clear coat sealant to protect the patina.
Important Considerations:
- Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area as ammonia fumes can be irritating.
- Safety: Wear gloves and eye protection.
- Experimentation: Results can vary. Experiment with different amounts of salt, ammonia, and vinegar to achieve the desired effect.
- Uniformity: The patina may not be perfectly uniform, which can add to its character.
