Working with copper

I understand that traditionally some of the copper church roofs of Europe were coated with mare’s urine to give it the classic green colour. There is something about the pH of mare’s urine (and presumeably not stallion’s) that etches the copper to the desired colour.

-- ....next big purchase is wood for the next project, Mark

Liver of Sulphur found at jewelry supply stores, or a product called JAX.

You can also use hot baking soda and water solution, wine, soft water, coffee,

and of course urine does work if you’ve the mind to do so.

-- Measure once cut twice....oh wait....ooops.

Humm think I would not have enjoyed the job in Europe of collecting mare’s urine. I wonder how they found out that little tidbit.

Patrick – I think I’d try Mike’s suggestion. Probably safer to, you won’t have to find a mare or figure out how to catch her urine without getting stepped on or worse. Yuk!

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

Go to a stained glass shop/craft store/art store. They have a number of patinas that can be applied to copper. I have some out in the shop. I’m just too lazy to go look for it.

-- arborial reconfiguration specialist

Well Betsy who says ya gotta find a mare? lol

Just remember any other way than the natural way in the end will begin to flake off a little.

-- Measure once cut twice....oh wait....ooops.

Google “Patination chemicals”. Here is a good link
for leaf and patination chemicals that David Marks endorses.

The liver of sulfur will blacken the copper.

If you want the green hue try this link.

I found that is you have a Blick art supply store nearby, they have the full line of “Sophisticated Finishes” as well as the Liver of Sulfur.

Apparently the urine trick works with standard GI issue pee as well. Roofers that wanted to cure up copper flashing or roofing tiles would donate in a communal bucket and treat the days work at shift end.
Ammonia – where a good steak goes when it dies.

-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.

Wow, thanks, guys!

-- -Be Blessed!, Patrick