FAQ'S, QUESTIONS & ANSWERS, TIPS & TRICKS, Uncategorized, UNIQUE FINISHES

Changing Steel Surface to Mimic Aged Copper

Posted on October 2, 2014September 29, 2020 by BILL WORDEN

02
Oct

Hi Bill,

I have a client who wants to do an architectural element/design for corner guards using steel with a ‘patina/verdigris finish’; and having lots of difficulty finding someone to do the project. So I’m thinking I will have the metal bent and finish myself?

I have a photo that shows a desired finish, and will be happy to send it so that you can recommend the appropriate product you offer. Thanks…I appreciate the help and direction.

Karen K.

Hi Karen,

Please send the image that you’d like to emulate. I can help you with a fairly simple process to get the verdigris look of aged copper on steel.

And, it’s not a faux finish…we’ll actually be embedding Cu Powder onto the steel, then treating it with COPPER VERDE™ Patina.

Thanks,

Bill

Update: Customer Submitted Image Below

Old Penny Brown Copper Patina

Old Penny, Brown Copper Patina on Steel

Karen,

The larger of the two images you sent did not come through, but from what I can see from the smaller image, you need a brownish, aged copper look…not a verdigris, which is more green/turquoise/blue.

I don’t have a brown patina, per se’. But I do have a new Gel Patina called, BURNT COPPER™, that would be very close to the color range in the photo.

It’s easy to work with & the longer you leave it on, the darker it will become. If it gets too dark, you can lighten it by burnishing with #0000 Steel Wool, which will lighten, mottle & give the appearance of worn areas. (lights & darks).

Thanks,

Bill

BILL WORDEN

My name is Bill Worden. I am the founder & owner of STEEL F/X Patinas, which began officially in the fall of 2006. I had my first exposure to metal-finishing when I was 14 yrs. old. (1968) My Chemistry teacher showed me how to silver-plate a copper penny without heat or electricity. The whole process, which I found incredibly cool, took only a minute or two. I was hooked on what could be done chemically, to transform the surface of varying metals. I have been a metalsmith since 1972, working with precious metals originally, and currently focusing primarily on CNC cut steel art and chemically induced Color Case-Hardening of firearms & custom knives. I have developed many steel patina formulas that react safely with the steel to bring out a myriad of colors & effects without hiding the polished steel beneath. I have also developed a one-of-a-kind patina, (STAINLESS F/X™), which works equally well on Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel & Copper. My greatest reward is teaching & helping other metal artisans to produce finished products that are beyond the norm of painting or powder-coating. I truly love working in the lab, experimenting with what will work & developing new products. Many of my customers, in a very short time, have become masters of steel patinas on their own work and are producing some heirloom quality works of art! I live in St. George, Utah with my wife, Kris and my two sons, Tyler & Trevor.. I welcome your calls & emails & will do my very best to provide you with all the help & product innovation possible. The STEEL F/X® PATINAS Company Motto is "KAI-ZEN", a Japanese word that loosely translates to: "CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT" Thank you for helping to make STEEL F/X® PATINAS a Reality...Without all of my loyal customers, we wouldn't exist. Keep Up The Good Work! Bill D. Worden, STEEL F/X®, LLC (STEEL F/X® PATINAS) 1.800.710.1273

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