Oxidation on Patina

by Liz
(Virginia)

I made a panel for my bathroom window-copper foil-and put black patina on it. It has been up 2-3 months and the solder lines are turning white with oxidation. How can I fix this and how can I keep it from happening again?


Answer

Hi Virginia,

The oxidation is being caused by the moisture in the bathroom. If you've read my patina tutorial you'll know that patina doesn't like water.

Try waxing the window again. I recommend Mother's Gold Cleaner Wax. It's available at most car care centers. After you wax and buff, use a toothbrush along the edges of the foil where it meets the glass.

I don't know how you can prevent it from happening again unless you put a piece of clear glass over the stained glass. You'll still get moisture in there, but it might slow thing down.

This is where I need some input from people reading this question. If anyone has a good way to keep moisture from causing oxidation on a piece of stained glass installed in the bathroom, please let us know what you do. You can write your reply in the comments section below. Thanks!