How to Patina Copper Blue Tutorial - Jewelry Making 

Thank you. Glad it was helpful!

Check out the links in my riveting tutorial on basketofblue.com. Crafted findings and Beadsmith makes those tools. (You can find them on Etsy among others.)

it'l only work on copper. not plated either, just pure copper.

I've had comments elsewhere from people who say you can use those commercial patina creation products (like Swellegant, etc.) on surfaces painted with copper paint. Haven't tried it myself.

I would first recommend reading the full tutorial on my blog, because it has information not in the video. www.basketofblue.com/how-to-create-blue-patina-on-copper/ I like to use Protectaclear, but there are many other clear coats very suitable on the market. (You can even use a standard spray on hardware store product, like krylon). I think Protectaclear is high quality and produces a nice end result. I use it also for flame painted pieces which need to be coated very carefully with several layers or they will oxidize under the clear coat. I find that three coats of liquid Protectaclear has been the best and most durable for my pieces.

You don't need to change it for the batch you are making (unless you decide to start from scratch). But I recommend new solution for new pieces.

It can happen, it is a very organic process. Weather is a big part of it. Please read the full tutorial on my blog (basketofblue.com) and you will find more info.

I don’t use an exact formula. I pour ammonia in the container so it covers the bottom (and then some) and just sprinkle some salt. You may want to sprinkle more salt after the pieces have been in for a while. It’s all partly based on how the atmospheric conditions (the weather and so on) are at the time. Let’s say you live by the ocean, the air will be more “corrosive” because of the “ocean air”. Compare that to a lovely dry day in the desert. That would be the expertise of a scientist to explain how all that affects the process on copper. You get a feel when you experiment. That’s really part of the fun!

I don't think so, I believe you can use some different methods to darken aluminum. (I don't work with it, so not sure what all you can do with aluminum.)

Yes, you need to coat it. Please see the full tutorial on my website for instructions. Patina is always a little different, sometimes it comes off when you rinse. Then you just start over! Other times you get really “sturdy” patina. That’s part of the fun, keep on experimenting.

It can happen, patina is mysterious! Try again and possibly adjust the amount of ammonia. Sometimes too much fumes grows the patina too quickly or if you leave the piece in for too long. (I've noticed this especially with vinegar) Also, let the patina piece dry completely in room temperature before touching it.

I had some sheets patinated with salt and vinegar (not normal 7% vinegar, but the 35% one) and they came out great. The patina is different, it’s more of a orange/brown color and it doesn’t rub off. I made some lamps for a school project