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How to Give New Copper a Blue Patina

Patina is the name given to the discoloration that occurs on metals that have been exposed to the elements. Patinas will differ in color depending on the base metal as well as the substances that they have been exposed to. The discoloration suggests antiquity, and many people prefer the patina colors to the shiny hue of new copper. There are several ways to achieve a blue or blue-green patina on a copper surface before the metal has aged.

Things You'll Need

Potassium sulphide
Water
Dish
Cotton swab
Yellow suphur powder
Petroleum jelly
Gasoline (optional)
Small plastic container
Large plastic container with lid
Liquid ammonia
Wire mesh
Scissors
Salt

Instructions

Potassium Sulphide Method
- 1
  Mix one part potassium sulphide (K2S) with five parts water in a small dish.
- 2
  Dip your coins or copper object into the solution for a few minutes until the desired patina is achieved. Rinse with clean water.
- 3
  If the object is too big to fit into the bowl, use a cotton swab to sponge the solution on. Rinse the object with clean water.
Sulphur Powder Method
- 4
  Mix one part sulphur powder with five parts petroleum jelly.
- 5
  Use a cotton swab to rub the paste over the surface of your copper object.
- 6
  Remove when the desired patina has been achieved. For easy removal, place the object in enough gasoline to cover it. Remove and wipe with a rag.
Ammonia Method
- 7
  Place a small plastic container filled halfway with ammonia into a larger plastic container.
- 8
  Cut a small section of wire mesh to fit over the small container. Place your copper item, which has been sanded and rinsed in salt water, onto the wire mesh.
- 9
  Sprinkle the metal object with salt and place the lid on the large container. Leave for several hours until desired patina has been achieved.

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