Blue Green Patina On Copper By Oxidation

A lovely patina is possible through the use of a patina kit or homemade concoctions.

Blue green patina on copper by oxidation.

When copper is exposed to water it turns a bluish green color like the statue of liberty or the roofs on old mansard buildings. For a green patina mix one part miracle gro with three parts red wine vinegar. Miracle gro plant fertilizer is an excellent oxidizer of copper. Remove oxidation from copper with a paste made of white vinegar salt and flour.

Many common cleaners leave this patina untouched. Aged copper displays a protective layer of rich blue green patina also known as verdigris rather than waiting the five to seven years it takes for new copper to naturally develop a patina when exposed to the elements you can get that look now. A patina will form within 30 minutes and become permanent within 24 hours. Prep to remove oxidation by verifying the metal item is really copper and checking for the presence of lacquer.

The patina gives the statue of liberty its characteristic appearance but the oxidation of copper can also cause undesirable effects under some circumstances. The process of the change in color of copper when it is exposed to air is called oxidation oxidation typically turns copper black which is evidenced by dirty looking pennies that have been passed around for a long time. Patina p ə ˈ t iː n ə or ˈ p æ t ɪ n ə is a thin layer that variously forms on the surface of copper brass bronze and similar metals tarnish produced by oxidation or other chemical processes or certain stones and wooden furniture sheen produced by age wear and polishing or any similar acquired change of a surface through age and exposure.