Posted by Gary Dodge on August 21, 2003 at 11:59:55:
In Reply to: How do you clean up your finished project? posted by Krys on August 19, 2003 at 11:01:30:
Hi Krys,
Yes, it is advisable to neutralize after patina. Many patinas contain acids and other chemicals that may remain active if you don't manage to get them out of every crevice.
As for how well the neutralizer works as compared to baking soda, that is to some extent a matter of faith and trust in the company that produces the product.
Years ago I had time to try and run controlled tests on things like that, but found that unless you run hundreds of samples you can't get meaningful results, so I use the products and hope for the best.
GaryD
: When I finish a project (copper foil) I wash it in a basin with warm water, dishwashing liquid, and baking soda and gently scrub it with a brush. Dry it and patina it and then rinse it. The copper patina seems to later turn a bit darker and to me look antique. I've noticed though that on one project that I did not patina, that later it got white mold. So, I bought some neutralizing chemical. Just got that in, no instructions on bottle. Wondering if it works as well as baking soda.
: I read in a post below that you can wax the solder lines with carnuba or the Kem O ?. I'll try that along with the neutralizer and see if the copper lines stay shiny.
: Am I doing all this right? Also, do I need to neutralize after I patina? I've got tons of instruction books but none ever really detail this last bit.
: BTW, great site! Generally I come here and find my questions answered without having to post. I've been perusing this site for several months now.