According to Merriam Webster's online dictionary, a patina is defined as "a thin usually green layer that forms naturally on the metals copper and bronze when they are exposed to the air for a long time". iKandies LOVES that look, especially on copper. But, who wants to wait for a result that may take "a long time" to develop? And what if we want a surface color other than green? So, iKandies has found other ways to color our metal that do not involve the use of chemicals.
In this experiment, iKandies applied a micro torch to copper washers. In just a few minutes the washers glowed various colors of red and orange, and a few washers reached the purple stage.
In this experiment, iKandies used a heat gun to apply steady heat to a piece of copper. Light shades of orange and red began to appear. But in order to achieve these colors, the torch had to be held steady, concentrating on one spot and for 5- 7 minutes.
In our final experiment, we buried copper, nickle and brass leaf shapes in crushed salt and vinegar potato chips to which a few tablespoons of white vinegar had been added. After waiting about 1 hour shades of blue and green began to appear on the metals. This picture shows the results of leaving the metal buried in the chips over night.
iKandies was very happy with the test results. Here's the jewelry piece we created using the copper washers. What do you think?
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