Copper Patina Art - DIY - corrosion, etching, torching 

Thanks so much!

Thanks so much 😊

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you! Will do!

Glad it was helpful!

Did it work for you?

Thanks!

Many thanks!

Glad it was helpful!

You're welcome!

Thanks! :)

No problem!

you're welcome! :)

Thanks, so much! The pandemic put a real halt to art sales and exhibits, so I started focusing more on my leatherwork, which REALLY took off and kept me busy. I still do metal art and sell my originals through Etsy. Looks like 2023 is going to have more art events, so I'll probably be seen around.

yes, I've tried some flame painting, but only a smidge, nothing fancy or complicated.

Maybe. I've thought about it. You're actually the first to ask. :) It took me over a year of trial and error, and plenty of $$$. Testing different tools and techniques. There's so much setup and measuring and tedious steps. I've even thought about doing a streaming, "live" event to show what I do, but It's not very dynamic and exciting to watch.

​@jeremyfagergren I'm sure it would be worth watching! You have such a soothing voice and did a very informative video here! Thank you!

I think I mention in the video. I used ArtResin to coat it.

for the flame colors, I use a small torch. Like you'd use to make creme brulee. and then slowing make repeating passes over the same area until I get the colors/effect I want.

I will give it a try, I’ve been using the largest most powerful torch I have. I will try this.

I haven't tried the marine epoxy resin that I've seen other artists use. I've always used ArtResin, because it doesn't give off fumes, it doesn't yellow, it's easy to work with and clean after it sets. It's a bit more expensive than other brands, but I think it's worth it.

I first etched the copper with a disc sander. But since I later used a propane torch for some of the color at the top, I would avoid using vinyl. But If I used the vinyl, I'd not use the torch.

@@jeremyfagergren thank you for your response! I love your art

Thanks! Directly etching on the metal, I use various hand tools. Other than that, it's just the corrosion or torching with a small butane torch.

The colors on the top are only from torching, which i did several hours AFTER doing the bottom half. I've done that type of coloring on several pieces, so I can say that the ammonia fumes had nothing to do with the outcome.

​@@jeremyfagergren Thanks for the reply. The peice in the thumbnail kind of looks like the ocean and horizon. It's quite nice.

Angle Grinder

Torch it before doing the corrosion? Sure. And on this small of a piece, yeah, I used a dremel attachment. Larger pieces, I use larger wheels.

Thanks!​@@jeremyfagergren

As for recommendations, if I were to be doing this on a larger scale and larger pieces, I'd say get larger tubs, better equipment, and a space with LOTS of ventilation. Maybe even some type of air extractor. I haven't pursued it even further since I'm just doing some smaller pieces for artwork.

I still have both the smaller piece and the larger artwork with me. The acid hasn't continued or grown at all. It's been this long, and it still looks the same. I think once the resin seals it in place, it must stop. And I only applied resin to the etched side, not the back.

@@jeremyfagergrendid you brush the resin on our pour it somehow?

ArtResin comes in part A (the resin) and part B (the hardener). So I typically just mix and pour over my artwork. Specially small pieces. But some bigger pieces, I lightly brush a layer of resin, and then do a pour. This way it helps avoid all the F-ing micro bubbles.

@@jeremyfagergren excellent. Thanks for the reply

You could I guess. But, with clear coats, sometimes you get what they call "orangle peel" and it's not smooth like glass. Prior to using ArtResin, I used like 7-8 coats of clear coat, and I HATED it. Orange peel surface that I'd have to sand and clean, and the fumes were awful.

I haven't tried using anything else, just because I know the end results will be what I need.

I used an angle grinder at low RPMs

angle grinder

There are many ways to create patina on copper and they all have different color results. Ammonia is honestly the best and cheapest way and has the most colorful results, though. You can even get some at your local dollar store. Liver of Sulphur is another way, but, well, it smells like Sulphur, aka rotten eggs. There's a video by The Crafsman (no, that isn't a typo) that shows a bunch of different ways. Let me see if I can find it....

Found it! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yl67z6XmNiQ.html

ya know, I'm not sure. A google or youtube search might turn up something?

He says twice so far to use good ventilation