Turning copper green

[Pignut]

Will putting salt solution on copper make it go green? I am trying to age some copper pipe for a project

 

[numptydumpty]

you might try some cheap mustard first it seems to force a patina quite well or reference this article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verdigris

 

[Toddy]

Vinegar should do it. Check the pipe hasn't got some kind of coating first though, otherwise it can looks really manky instead of a good verdigris all over.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[Shewie]

Our lass did something with copper at college with the kids not so long, just asked and they used vinegar and salt in a spray bottle, took about two weeks apparently.

 

[launditch1]

Ammonia and sawdust in sealed tub make makes a kinda groovy effect..

 

[Pignut]

Cheers all will give it a go

 

[R.Lewis]

Just read the Wiki article above. Been using acetic acid over the weekend, Burnt my fingers nicely! Wear gloves! I have a copper project for some point and I'll use Acetic acid for it but will wear gloves for sure this time..

 

[grumit]

They did some copper repair work on a building here and used horse wee to age it

 

[Teepee]

They did some copper repair wrk on a building here and used horse wee to she it

I'm guessing its the salt and ammonia in it doing the business.

 

[Manacles]

Bizarrely you can use natural yoghurt - it takes a bit longer though. You have to coat the metal and leave it outside.