Quite a few ways are available nowadays to get that classic brown patina on your brass and copper. You are free to make use of chemicals or green methods. There are many corrosive chemicals available. You have to handle them with care. A popular option is household ammonia as it works on both brass and copper. For more about Copper Patina, visit here.

You can also choose Copper Foil, Copper Patina,e alternatives to the chemicals that are more common. Among them are Black Max, Liver of Sulphur, and antiquing solutions containing iron nitrate.

Below, we are going to discuss the use of household ammonia for putting a patina to your piece of copper or brass.

The use of Household Ammonia for Brass and copper

Making use of the smokes of household ammonia for oxidizing metal is rather easy. It is also an economical way of oxidizing brass and copper.

Several people have resorted to this technique on finished pieces that include freshwater turquoise and pearls. People know them as subtle materials. All that you need for this is a pickle jar with a lid, a wire piece or fishing line for suspending your finished piece, and clear ammonia.

It’s somewhat smelly. You need to keep in mind that the metal or your finished jewelry should not touch the ammonia liquid. The smoke is what makes this patina. It works!

The technique in steps

• The first thing to do is make your copper foil or brass foil clean using acetone alcohol for removing any dirt or oils. It will ensure that the copper patina or brass patina is uniform across the piece. Keep in mind that you cannot touch the surface where you wish to have patina.
• Pour ammonia of approximately an inch into a quart size clear glass jar or a pint.
• You are free to use a wire or a fishing line for suspending the metal or jewelry piece just underneath the opening of the jar. Tape the ends of the fishing line to the exterior of the jar for creating small support. It is essential that the piece doesn’t touch liquid ammonia.
• Fix the lid and wait for a couple of hours or so. You are free to check the piece to see the color you wish to cease.
• It is just a matter of some moments. The ammonia odor on the piece will fade. However, you can also take the piece out and leave it for some time and then gently make the places of high contrast smooth.

The use of more conventional Chemicals

You are free to use the established but non-green technique of putting a patina to metal. You can use chemicals that include

• Black Max
• Liver of Sulphur
• Antique Patina Solution

Many chemicals are caustic. You should be careful when the process of patination is underway and when you throw off the chemicals. Store the metal or jewelry pieces in a clear bag for maintaining their patina.

For more info, visit @ Meramaal Q&A