How to Antique Copper

How to Antique Copper

Vintage (looking) metals has become increasingly popular in jewelry making. The process of giving metal a vintage or antique look is variously called darkening, oxidizing, patinating or antiquing. Brass is probably the most common metal to undergo antiquing in jewelry making but antique copper look is also becoming more and more popular.

There are various ways to create antique copper which can be done at home. (You can also find out how to antique brass).

How to Darken/Oxidize/Antique Copper

Here is a collection of various methods that you can try out. Experiment with the various antiquing metals to discover your own favourite.

Bleach

Ensure copper pieces are clean and dry. With a sponge, apply neat bleach (Domestos works best) onto the copper surface. Let the bleach dry (approx. 12 hours). Reapply till you get the patina colour you want.

Hard Boiled Eggs

To make the copper "green", place them in a plastic bag with crushed hard boiled eggs. Tie up bag and leave overnight.

Harpic

To achieve a spotted, acid-washed look, use Harpic (toilet cleaner).

1. Wipe copper with a cloth that has been wet with Harpic
2. Leave for a day.
3. Gently was off. Do not scrub or rub as that might remove the patina formation powder.
4. Let dry. Then protect with clear lacquer.

Liver of Sulphur

Liver of Sulphur is available as a dilute, ready to use liquid, or a crystal-like solid that can be diluted in water. It is now readily available from a number of sites so you can just Google for it. You can also try chemist stores or garden centers.

Liver of Sulphur (or Potassium Polysulphide), when using in crystal-like solid form, can be easily dissolved in water. Use about the size of your smallest thumbnail in 600ml of water. It is used to produce light brown to black patina, depending on how diluted it is. Less water = darker color.

Protecting the Antique Finish

After the antiquing process, you can seal the antique finish using beeswax. Prepared beeswax like Johnson's Wax can be applied directly using a clean. lint-free soft cloth.

You can also try floor wax or a clearcoat.