Patination

For large pieces I generally add some complexity to the result by selectively grinding or cutting back to clean metal, creating an engraved effect.

This is a reworked Indian copper serving tray, 48cm diameter.. Currently hung on an exterior wall at our house. 

One technical challenge is ensuring the longevity of the patination, which is a unstable chemical reaction product. Roller pressing and then laquering the surface works but dulls and changes the color. 

These next 2  images show the process in sequence, from clean metal through to installed product.

In this case I started with a copper Indian serving tray and cut out a flat base.

The plate is sprinkled with coarse and fine salt and placed in a sealed plastic box.

Copper plate undergoing patination.

This example is a brass plate inset into a  recycled solid oak table we bought years earlier.

These two brass plates illustrate the nuances.

Both were salt and ammonia treated for the same duration and at the same ambient temperature. Both 67cm by 42cm , 0.5mm sheet.

These two brass plates illustrate the nuances.

This one came up predominantly turquoise and brown. The gold colouration comes from grinding back the patination to clean metal.

This one in contrast came out with a stronger darker blue.

Both panels are installed on exterior shutters at our house.

Experiments by Michelle with some earrings made from thin pieces of patinated brass and copper.

More of a green tinge to these ones.

Full collection of patinated earrings.