Advisibility Of Patina For Outdoor Foiled Piece

by Katie

I recently met Pattie Boyd (George Harrison's first wife and inspiration for the songs "Leyla" and "Something) and offered to do one of my copper foil suns for her garden in London. I usually do not patina my suns, but thought a copper patina would be lovely as it was likely to turn green with age.


It took me a while to track down the scrub pads you recommended and I had a bit of trouble with foil coming loose but when I finally got the copper patina on, it went on beautifully. But then horror of horrors, I noticed a cracked piece. I replaced it and tried to carefully limit the newly resoldered area with ammonia washing and rinsing, but the patina in surrounding areas mottled either from some contact with the ammonia or water.


As I began repolishing, I began to think. London is rainy and foggy. Will these weather conditions do the same thing? I'm about ready to steel wool the whole piece and send it to her silver. What do you think?

Answer

Hi Katie,

In my opinion, copper patina would really compliment the yellow glass. It will oxidize over time, but will still have a copper undertone rather than the gray color you'll get if you leave it silver.

I hope this helps you make a decision,
Sue