Posted by Norma on March 18, 2002 at 21:52:12:
In Reply to: Re: Patina problems posted by Gary Dodge on February 28, 2002 at 18:13:25:
: Caroline,
: The Brasso may be too coarse a polish for patina. It is just a thin coating of copper ions that deposit on your solder and a real metal polish with abraisives can strip it completely.
: We use Kem-O-Pro stained glass finishing compound. It is much milder and will not remove your patina.
: As for the Novacan, we sell it here so I've played with it a bit but I have a lot more experience with copper foil crystals but all patinas have some things in common. Always remove the "spent solution" from the metal before adding more patina. As you apply patina, ionic copper in the solution sticks to the solder. Once the ions are removed from the solution, the solution winds up being kind of hungry for some ions and will actually start to pick them back up off the metal if you just leave it there. Wipe up the used solution before you brush on the next brushful of fresh stuff.
: I find that I get the best patina using a rag that I soak in the patina and then ring out well. Rub vigorously and when you're done, save the rag for next time. It will be loaded with nice potent crystals.
: Gary Dodge
: : Hi Gary,
: : I'm using Novacan (I think, I'll check when I get home), it's a blue liquid. I dip the q-tip or rag in the patina (I put some fresh in a little jar each time and then toss it when I'm done), and then rub it back and forth until looks coppery. I've just been using Brasso to polish it.
: : Can you help?
: : Thanks again.