What is the fastest way to tarnish copper? These solutions contain chemicals that will cause the copper to darken quickly when applied and can be found in craft stores as well as online retailers. If you are just looking for a quick way to darken copper, you can use a copper patina solution, which is commercially available. This involves using a chemical, such as hydrogen peroxide, that will cause a reaction in the copper that will make it darker. The only way to darken the copper is to use chemical oxidation. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and is used to clean items such as pans and tiles, but it cannot darken copper. In general, using vinegar to clean copper is considered a safe and gentle way to polish and bring out the natural shine. If you leave the copper in the vinegar for an extended length of time, it can cause the copper to erode and corrode, leading to pits and grooves on the surface.ĭistilled or apple cider vinegars are more acidic, so they could cause more rapid corrosion of copper if left in contact for an extended length of time. When exposed to this type of vinegar, the copper can develop a patina that can range from light green to dark green and black. White vinegar is generally a mild acetic acid that can act as a cleaning agent on the surface of copper. Vinegar can have different effects on copper, depending on the type and concentration of vinegar used. Depending on the presence of polluting substances in the water, the process may take longer. This encourages oxidation, providing the necessary environment for the metal to transform into its characteristic patina. The most efficient way to speed up the process is to keep the copper consistently wet. In order for the transformation to occur, the copper must be exposed to water and oxygen. It typically takes anywhere from 3-9 months for copper to turn green. How long does it take to make copper green? Lastly, introducing oxidizing agents such as chlorine, nitric acid, or oxygen can result in an increased oxidation rate, as these agents provide additional electrons to the reaction and increase the oxidation speed of the copper surface. Applying heat greatly increases the oxidation rate of copper, as the heat speeds up the reaction.Īpplying an electric current is also a way of speeding up the oxidation of copper, as the current forces the electrons on the surface to oxidize and react more quickly with the surroundings. The oxidation of copper can be sped up by applying heat, applying an electric current, and introducing oxidizing agents.

How do you speed up the oxidation of copper? The combination of the salt, vinegar, and oxygen causes an accelerated oxidation process and speeds up the greening of the copper.īy combining regular maintenance and protection with natural means such as microclimates and salt baths, copper can quickly be greened in a matter of weeks, depending on the location and environment. This is a process where the copper is completely submerged in a mixture of salt and vinegar and left to soak overnight. By harnessing the power of nature, microclimates can quickly speed up the process of copper greening.įinally, another option to speed up the greening process of copper is to use a salt bath. This can be done by using techniques such as microclimates, which are contained, enclosed units of atmosphere that can be used to control temperature and humidity. A combination of moisture and humidity will help stimulate the growth of verdigris which is a green color created by oxidation.

Other than regular maintenance and patina applications, another way to speed up the greening process is to create an area that is moist and humid. Proper application of patina will help protect the copper from further oxidation, as it acts as a barrier that prevents air and moisture from coming into direct contact with the metal. This means that any bit of tarnish should be removed quickly to prevent the copper from oxidizing and fading in color.Īdditionally, copper can be treated with patina, which is a thin layer of protective material often used to give copper a “greenish” hue. One of the best ways to speed up the greening process of copper is to ensure that it is cleaned and properly polished often.

Ammonia patina copper