So far I've not tried too much variation on the patina I use for copper, but I read (re-read, really - I've had the book for a long time) about adding a blue patina in the book The Jeweler's Guide to Decorative Finishes with ammonia and decided to give it a try.
I prepped some copper components by sanding them lightly, then put them in a big plastic container and sprinkled salt on them.
Ammonia fumes are what do the trick, so I put a little dish of ammonia in the bigger container and then put a lid on the whole thing.
It took three tries to get a shade I was really happy with - the first couple of times I left the copper in the container with the ammonia for a couple of days and the blue became so dark it was closer to black so I tumbled the pieces and started over.
...and the finished earrings. The finish is rough and very organic but I like it! (Final pictures were taken outside.)
I really like the finished color and apparent texture. How will the colors age? Can you use something like an encaustic wax to apply both light and dark? Maybe dark in the valleys and light on the peaks?
ReplyDeleteI think also of metal beads inside a glass dollop ... or shining through a sagged glass plate ...
I really like the finished color and apparent texture. How will the colors age? Can you use something like an encaustic wax to apply both light and dark? Maybe dark in the valleys and light on the peaks?
ReplyDeleteI think also of metal beads inside a glass dollop ... or shining through a sagged glass plate ...
I'm not sure about how they will age and/or wear - some people seal their patina with a wax but I don't think that would work with this texture - it's almost like they are covered in a fine grit. More experimenting is in my future!
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