Copper Patina is fussy but . I spent about a year reading everything I could about it and watching many videos. I tried just about every method and added steps and eliminated steps to get to this point. While I cannot explain how it works, it works, almost every single time. And the times I haven’t gotten perfect copper patina, it is usually because I did not follow one of these steps thoroughly.
This is what works for me every time.
1. As soon as you finish your piece, scrub flux off with CJ Flux Remover (not Dawn, not Kwik Clean it has to be CJs) and a soft brush. Do not wait two hours.
2. At this point you can choose to rinse the CJs off or don’t. I use my tap water for this step. I do not dry it, because the next step needs a little water.
3. Use a Magic Eraser (melamine sponge) on every solder line including the edges until the solder is fairly shiny. Rinse.
4. Pat dry with a paper towel.
5. Use Simichrome Polish on the solder. Leave it on 3-5 minutes until it’s dry.
6. With a soft cloth (I use a wash cloth) remove the Simichrome and buff the living daylights out of the lead lines. You should almost be able to see your face! Bonus: This is where I stop and wax for super shiny silver patina.
7. Dump a liberal amount of CJs on your piece and wipe it around with a gloved hand. Don’t forget the edges.
8. Do Not Wipe the CJs off.
9. Pour, do not use a brush or Q-Tip, pour the copper patina on your piece and rub with your gloved hands.
10. Using paper towels rub all the excess patina and CJs off your piece DO NOT Rinse. Pat the lead lines rather than rubbing them.
11. Wax immediately. Wax every copper surface or it will discolor. Let the wax dry then buff.
If you cannot get Simichrome, Twinkle Silver Polish is a good alternative.
Not a Perfect Finish? Here is what has worked for me in the past.
If you get decolorization or some of the patina is a different color, first try putting a little CJs and patina on that spot and rub. If that does work, dry the area, apply Simichrome gently to see if the decolorization buffs out. If that does not work, use the Simichrome more vigorously, then apply more CJs and patina.
I have a separate brush and polishing cloth that I use only for copper patina. I keep these items completely separate from the tools that I use for black patina.
Hope this helps you achieve a beautiful copper patina. Happy Glassing. Julie
