Do you have patina questions? Are you having problems using patina? This is the place where you can ask a question about anything related to patina and I will give you an answer or help you solve the problem. It's free and it's easy to do. Scroll down the page to ask your questions, or click here to jump down to the place where you can
Ask Questions About Patina
Rather than answering individual questions via email, this will give everyone a chance
to ask their questions about patina problems, read about problems that others
are having, and find out how to solve them. It will become a FAQ about working with patina.
The advice I give is only my way of doing it. Please help me by contributing to the
answers. This is a two way web page...you and me. You can ask a question, answer a
question or do both. You can become my co-expert with these questions by writing how
you've dealt with the problem in the comments section below.
Are you having problems when you use patina? This is the place where you can ask a question about any aspect of patina, whether it's on copper foil, lead came or zinc, and I will give you an answer or try to help you solve the problem. It's free and it's easy to do. Just fill in the form below, then click on "Submit Your Question".
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Black Patina Wait Time
In your tutorial you state that you have to wait for 24 hours after applying black patina before you wax it. I wondered why? I've not done that before....
#98 white scrub pads
I live in South Africa and we don't have this brand. Can you tell me what it is made of and how ruff is the scrubbing? I find a lot of times people ...
battleship gray zinc
I want to produce an even, dull gray finish (like a battleship gray)on zinc. Copper sulfate just turns it black.
Answer
I don't know what would ...
black patina recipe for steel?
I am looking for an alternative patina other than Liver of Sulfur to turn steel black. I'm not sure if it matters but its sheet metal thats hot rolled....
Is There a Blue Patina?
My brother wants me to do a project for him. The best way to do it would be to patina all the solder blue. I haven't been able to find anything about ...
Solder lines or zinc frame first?
I was told that one of the patinas (either for lead or for zinc) overrides the other. One of them takes off the other, but I can't remember which one should ...
patina alternative
I am low on cash and would like to find an alternative to patina to color my solder. Is there anything I could use that would be really cheap?
Answer ...
can you patina pewter
I was wondering if you could patina or darken pewter?
Answer
I don't know. Perhaps someone reading this can answer your question. If so, the answer ...
staining of glass
I'm using victorian glass vp3, and having applied my patina to the leads I found it has stained the glass. What if anything can I remove the stain with?...
Patina on Chain
I have achieved a nice patina on my knitted chain necklace, but it has no shine, it's just charcoaly. I like the color but I want some shine. Of coarse ...
To Patina or not to patina??
Hello,
I just completed a large piece (large for me, 36x24). It has a zinc edge. Do I have to patina the piece? will it discolor if I do not patina it?...
Patina on SOLDER
This is my second project - I have no problems with Patina on my first stained glass project - the solder turns black and evenly. I did the same way in ...
black patina on lead free
i am having a hard time with the consistent take of black patina nova brand...good and strong...
i am trying to move all my work to lead free and ...
Gold or Brass Colored Patina for Solder Joints?
I recently installed a front door w/ a nice stained glass panel from the factory. I have made panels for my side lights using foil and solder. The facotory ...
patinas toxic?
Hello,
I'm just starting to make jewelry from stained glass, and I want to know if patinas are toxic, as the pieces will be touching skin. I'm using ...
gold patina
is there a gold patina for stained glass?, my neighbourhood store says that there isn't only black or leave it silver solder color.
Answer
There ...
Zinc and Patinia
The patinia will not stick to the zinc what can I do.
Answer
Make sure the zinc is absolutely clean before you use patina on it. Most zinc comes ...
A Question About Sealing Patina
This patina question doesn't apply to stained glass -- not sure if that's an issue with this website. However, I've used Novacan Black to age bronze bathroom ...
Haze running along the soldered and patina colored edges of glass
Hi, this is so frustrating. I put ALOT of effort into the production of a piece and at the end something goes wrong and my entire effort is for naught....
Black Patina
I was taught that you had to neutralize black patina. Is that true? Would I just rinse with the sudsy ammonia after applying the black patina?
Answer ...
Cleaning antique zinc came
I recently acquired an antique mahogany stained glass door with zinc came from a monastery. I believe the age is around 1910. It was at one time used as ...
Is it possible to make black patina at home?
I am for the time being living in China and can not find black patina unless in huge quantities. Is it possible to use some substitude or make it yourself....
Wax for Black Patina
After I wax and polish my black patina it realy has faded out to almost a bronze. The polish I use says it cleans and polishes. Is it the type of polish ...
I Used the Wrong Type of Patina
I'm a newbee (2nd project)and bought black patina for zinc then used it on solder. It looks grey and not really bad on the project. My question is what ...
Trying to get Black Patina to take on Copper pipes
Sue,
I have created a leaded panel, with a frame around it made from copper plumbing pipes. This has worked well but failed on the last step because ...
Copper Patina Stained Bevels While Drying in the Sun
Left copper sulfate patina on project out in sun and when attempted to clean panel it now has multiple white cloudy stains on glass I am unable to remove....
patina on lead came with zinc frame
The black patina takes on the lead, not the zinc.
Answer
I need more information before I can answer your question. Are you using lead came or ...
More Questions About Gold or Brass Patina and Gold Plating
I am going to create a persomal design for my front door. The approx size will be 22" x 48". My door hardware is polished brass and I would like to patina ...
A Black Patina Question
I thank you for your patina suggestions. I have had corrosion appear after patina in a month or 2 and my stuff is all indoors...
My question is this:...
Black Patina Mixture
You had mentioned mixing vinegar and salt to black patina; 1 TBSP white vinegar and 1 tsp salt....to how much patina?
Answer
Use only vinegar or ...
Where To Buy Patina in China
Dear Teacher:
I am from China, a lover for stained glass. I really want to make stained glass in China, but I find I really can't buy patina in China,...
Problems with Patina
I often use a zinc border on my copper foiled panels. I use patina specifically for solder on all of my solder lines and joints and then use patina made ...
Antique Brass Patina
I cannot locate this patina...is this a copper patina that is applied differently? I am using on solder.
Secondly, what procedure do you use on lead?...
Patina for Zinc Came
Do you have a reliable method of getting zinc came to turn black with patina? I have tried everything I can find on the internet about it, but mine usually ...
Patina Stain on Glass
Hi,
I have several panels with patina stains on the glass. I thought I'd have to live with it. Then I joined Warner glass chat and asked. Someone referred ...
Leaving Solder Silver On Copper Foil Project
I would like to do a copper foil project that I keep silver on the solder lines. (no patina) Does this alter your product at all? Will the finished product ...
Locating Copper Patina Finishing
Products In Australia
Good morning,
Firstly, I love your website. I have found it to be a very helpful site. More like having a teacher in the room with you, easy to follow ...
Patina Problems
I don't understand how you can leave the patina on for so long{black or copper} because it stains the glass. Also I use Dawn,yes what you wash dishes with ...
Copper Patina
Prior to reading your article I applied copper to a piece I was repairing. Needless to say, the new solder looks black and the old is a copper color. Is ...
Wash before or after patina?
Do I wash my pendant before or after i use patina?
Answer
Wash your pendant before you apply patina. Once the patina is applied you can wipe off ...
Pewter Patina
I see nothing about using Pewter Patina. I have seen this result and like it....but it is hard to find (internet OK, but shipping is almost the same amount)...
trouble with copper patina on non-leaded solder
I live in the southwest and pick up shards of glass from old dumps and arroyos and make sun catchers and pendants using the copper foil method. As with ...
Patina & Tap Water
I note your comment about using tap water to rinse after cleaning and the way it may affect the finish of the patina applied because of elements in the ...
poisonous
i know verdigris patina is very poisonous. are there non-poisonous patinas and which ones are they?
thanks
Answer
No there aren't any non toxic ...
Tin cans
Can I use patina on tin cans? I use it instead of pewter...
Answer
I don't know. That's something I never tried. I imagine if the cans are pure ...
Copper Patina
When I first apply copper patina the finish is bright and shiny but it soon dulls down to a motley pattern
How do I prevent this
Answer
Go Here ...
Keep lead came as light colored as possible
In a stained glass project using lead came I'd like to contrast very dark lead came with light, almost silver lead came. Is there a way to treat the came ...
NEED TO MAKE MY GALVANISED (ZINC) CHAINMAILLE BLACK
WILL Novacan Black Patina - Zinc WORK ON GALVANIZED STEEL
WHICH I THINK ARE ZINC COATED.
THANKS.
Answer
No it won't work on zinc, lead or galvanized ...
Lead or Zinc?
I have a pair of leaded glass windows that I bought at a flea market. The glass is intact, but the wood work was abused over time. I was able to remove ...
Patina not black enough
I finished putting black patina on my project. I used the salt in the patina, but it still is blotchy. Is there anything I can do.
Answer
Did ...
When to Patina
I've been told that the best time to use patina is right after you bead solder (after cleaning of course) but I won't have time to do all the bead soldering ...
does iron get patina ? how ?
does iron get patina ? how ?
Answer
No, iron rusts.
Copper foil
I'm sorry... it's a bit of a silly question, I've just started working with copper foil & I'm not keen on leaving it the copper color, how would i turn ...
Silver Patina?
My wife and I were looking about the web and saw a piece that was done in "silver" patina. I have searched the web and can not find anything like it. We ...
How do you fix a piece that has white and/or green oxidation?
I did a few pieces before reading your tutorial about using copper patina. The pieces have the beginnings of white oxidation spots on it and look terrible....
Black patina
I have got black solder but the lead is still not as black as the solder. Also so I have just experimented with the bits of advise I could find but could ...
bronze patina
Instead of black patina I like the aged bronze look on my copper foiled piece of art. Where can I buy it?
I don't believe there is a bronze patina ...
How to preserve green patina
I want to preserve green patina similar to the kind on the statue of liberty. So preferable airtight, waterproof and can be applied directly on patina....
Black patina on brass came
I am refurbishing a hutch that has stained glass inserts with brass came. The windows look good but the brass doesn't match the hardware I'm using. Can ...
patina
what do you use to get a copper patina on zinc.
Answer
I haven't found anything that works other than using copper colored Rustoleum paint. If ...
Black Patina
After I apply black patina to copper foiled pieces, I let it dry but it still turns a bronzy colour after I clean the piece and apply wax. Is there something ...
changing patina color
Commissioned a pricey large suncatchers. After several descriptive messages, I thought I was clear on the color I wanted. I had recently commissioned ...
Patin on electroplated silver piece
How could I polish an electroplated silver piece with patina having calligraphy to remove patina from the hills and keep it in the valleys without loosing ...
something to remove patina
something that removes patina/corrosion oxidation from zinc so that solder will stick
Answer
Scrub the zinc with fine steel wool or bronze wool....
Silver Finish
I am struggling to find out how to keep finished copper foil items looking nice and bright silver? If I just leave it, it soon turns a dull grey
Answer ...
Black patina recipe
I would apprciate if someone give me the recipe (ingredients and procedures) to prepare my own black patina for solder... Thanks a lot.
Answer
I ...
Copper Patina
I am making a lamp shade. I soldered the vase cap. The solder is to be copper patina. I followed your instructions, but the copper didn't seem to absorb ...
Black patina on leaded copper foil.
Lately my black patina wipes off when I buff the wax. I have tried different wax, a new bottle of patina and still have the same problem. Any advice?...
Soldering Over Patina
After applying black patina and polishing a project can I go back and add more solder on top of patina and then re patina
Answer
You can, but it'...
Questions about a pewter color patina
How do I create a pewter colored patina on my solder lines? What do I use to create this?
Answer
Jax Pewter Patina produces a dark antique finish ...
Brass patina
Is there any recipe for brass like patina ?
Thanks
Answer
You can experiment with copper sulphate crystals. Mix them with warm water. The amount ...
Black Patina Application to Old Solder
I have a project I put away 6 years ago without completing. All I need to do is patina the 60/40 solder and add the clasps and chain. What process would ...
Neglected Patina Zinc Table Top
I dug a zinc table top with speckled patina out of my mothers garage. It's dull with white "dust" and some rusty? spots. Will buffing and waxing retore ...
Can I Patina Lead-Free Solder?
Will the standard black patina for lead-based solders work on lead-free silver solder?
Answer
Patina will work on any solder that has tin in it....
What Patina Do I Use?
I am making solder memory pendants and I am trying to darken the solder. I tried Patina gel (Liver of Sulfur), however it does not darken. What can I ...
Gold fixtures
I would like to know if I can turn my bathroom fixtures into the patina look & how to do this! thank you Sharlene
Answer
In stained glass work,...
Blotchy patina on copper frame
Hello,
I just finished a panel which is framed with copper. I have scrubbed it with steel wool before applying the patina ( I used JAX, Brown Brass,...
Patina problem
i urgently need some black patina but my supplier is closed today. I must have my piece ready today. can i use black shoe polish on the lead?
Answer ...
cleaning a combo piece of lead and foil
I have created a piece that has both lead and foil. What is the best way to clean it and patina it so the piece looks consistent?
Answer
Clean ...
turning gold into a patina look!
I have ugly gold fixtures in my bathroom & would like to get the patina look. Is this an easy thing or involved? Any information would be great.
Thank ...
Remove Patina
I used copper tinned wire and twisted it. Then I patinaed it and tried to attach leaves to it but it won't hold the solder. It held it at the beginning ...
Turning gold plate article into antiqued gold
Is there a patina I could use to change the appearance of shiny gold plate to make it look like antique gold?
Answer
None that I know of. Perhaps ...
Copper Patina for Lead Came
I finished a small stained glass piece with a lead came border. The copper patina works fine on the solder but will not take to the lead. Suggestions ...
crystalized copper patina
An old bottle of Copper Patina has dried out and crystalized. Do I have to toss it or can I reconstitute it? Would this apply to any patina?
Answer ...
fingerprints
i am doing a whole entire roof in 20 oz. copper and i am going to patina it brown .now my question is my guys a couple of times got lazy and did not wear ...
How to Patina then apply decorative corner pieces
I am using decorative cortner pieces for the first time on a panel I've made.
The corner pieces are brass, my piece is copper foil cnstruction and I ...
White haze on black patina projects
I am having trouble with a white haze on my black patina a few days after completion. I use a neutralizer after I put the patina on and then wash the ...
Ammonia Dangerous to Stained Glass?
I read in your article on Copper Patina to use Ammonia to clean the glass. My glass teacher told us NEVER to use ammonia based cleaners on our stained ...
How do I clean Large projects?
When cleaning a very large panel prior to patina, how do you suggest to clean if transporting it to water is difficult? I work on a second floor level ...
Black Patina for Zinc
I am having trouble getting the black patina to stick to the zinc came. It just seems to roll around. What is the best thing to apply it with. I have ...
Copper Patina and Zinc
In your copper patina tutorial, it looks like you put a zinc frame on the top of the piece before applying the patina. What does the copper patina do ...
Scrub pads
In a pinch due to lack of time, can I use a Scotch Brite scrub pad for cleaning off flux instead of the white scrub pads?
Answer
Yes you can. It ...
Redoing a Patina Job
Is it possible to redo your patina? I am new to stained glass and just did a black patina to part of a piece that I am working on (the tree in the picture ...
Switch from copper patina to brass
I recently finished my project by putting on a copper patina, but now I want to make it a brass color instead. How do I accomplish this??? I did follow ...
Patina for Zinc Came Questions
do you have the contact information for the State of the Art, Inc for their black patina for zinc?
any other tips for making the color more even?
Answer ...
White Residue on Patina
I made a set of suncatchers for my daughter's school as a fundraiser. I hurriedly finished them (patina included)and left on vacation. Ten days later ...
What is Copper Patina
Hi there,
I've been soldering for years and am self taught and have never known what makes up copper patina.
Answer
Hi Deborah,
Copper Patina ...
Time Limit Between Soldering and Copper Patina
Can you wait 24 to 48 hours after you solder and before you put on the super brite copper patina? I have heard that you must patina within an hour of soldering ...
Black Patina Recipe
Hi,
I live in Hawaii and we are having problems getting patina shipped here. The chemicals in the product make the shipping costs much more than the ...
scrub pads
I still have not found a source for the scrub pad you mentioned in cleaning stained glass. Please provide further information, if possible. Thank you
...
Old Patina
Can a opened bottle of black patina loose it's effectiveness after a while? My pieces don't look real black, more like a gun barrel sorta, dark silverish ...
Patina and Seel
I an working a oxygen tank bell and would like make it look a lot better what works best for geen, blue or rust
Answer
I'm sorry, but I don't ...
Cloudy finish on black patina
I've given about 3 coats of black patina on lead solder. It becomes cloudy. What should I do to keep it black?
Answer
Do you wax before as well ...
Waxing Patina
If I wax before I use the black patina do I need to rewax after applying or is waxing before all I need to do?
Answer
Wax before and after. The ...
Any way to get a "do-over"?
I finished a copper foil panel and used pewter patina on the solder lines and zinc frame. But I don't like how it looks -- it was much prettier with the ...
White Stains on Znc
what has caused the white stains on my zinc came frames? is it water? or flux? or soap?
how can i remove it?
Reply
I can't answer your question ...
Mixing Patina (?)
I recently came upon an artist who, using copper foil, achieved a very rugged, old looking, dull siver with a hint of black (imagine the color of a very ...
Can You Turn Zinc Black Using Copper Patina?
I am a hobbyist who has done stained glass for a couple years now for my own enjoyment. I have never been happy with the color of my zinc borders using ...
Oxidation on Patina
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....
Uneven Black Patina...Cure??
Thanks for your site,, I've referred here throughout my project (pic attached). The window is 76"x45". I soldered the front, flipped it, soldered the back,...
Patina Not Dark Enough on Lead
this is great,thankyou....i would like to know if there is any patina's out there that would react with lead that makes it very dark it seems the only ...
Black Patina
Why does my black patina turn white in some spots and haw do I stop that from happening.
Answer
I would guess the solder hasn't been cleaned well ...
Zinc & Patina
I'm having trouble with patina for zinc not taking evenly. I clean my work well with soap and water. Dry well,then steel wool until shinny while wearing ...
Black patina for copper foil
I made the mistake of waxing my stain glass project before I used black patina. I haven't put the black patina on yet and wondered what can I do to correct ...
Patina on Lead free Solder
I have read that lead free solder does not patina well. I am making a suncatcher for a baby's room using leadfree solder. I would like to patina it black....
Patina Tutorial
I took to heart your very informative tutorial on cleaning a finished stained glass project. However, I am having a problem finding the #98 white industrial ...
Copper Patina For Lead Came
Can you use a copper patina on lead came? If so, does the same product work for solder?
Thank you.
Ruthe
Answer
There is a copper patina for ...
Copper Patina
Hi Sue,
I did a window with foil and followed your directions on how to clean and apply the copper patina.
My mistake was that after I applied the copper ...
Appling Black Patina on Lead Came, Solder, and Zinc Border
In your tutorial on patina, you include Mother's California Gold Carnauba Wax CLEANER as one of 3 ingredients for applying patina. However, in the following ...
Black Patina
In the tutorial for black patina you mention the use of either salt or vinagar in the patina. Do you use either? If so which one. Thanks
Answer
When ...
patina zinc
I'm having a problem getting my patina to take on Zinc. I use zinc patina. My lead patina works great, so I feel it has something to do with a step I ...
Black Patina On Lead and Zinc
I have a lead came window with a zinc frame, the zinc gets blotchy looking when using black patina.
What kind of patina do you recommend for lead came ...
Removing Black Patina
I don't like the black patina. How do I remove it???
Please help
Answer
Scrub it off with very fine steel wool or bronze wool, then wash the ...
Brass or Gold Patina
I am going to create a persomal design for my front door. The approx size will be 22" x 48". My door hardware is polished brass and I would like to patina ...
Patina Advice
Your patina tutorial suggests adding 1 tbsp vinegar or 1 tsp salt to the black patina to make it darker and shinier. I don't see any advice as to how ...
Removing Patina From a Copper Foil Lampshade...
I have recently completed a copper foil lampshade this I have completely black patinaed. I have since decided to add some new pieces to the lampshade, but ...
Out door Patinas
I intend to hang a piece outside, I am wondering how black or copper patinas will stand up, and which is better. I plan of bringing the piece inside ...
Patina on Zinc
I have a lot of trouble with putting any patina on the zinc framing on my projects. I have used special patina for zinc but it does not work. Is there ...
Patina Repair
Can you remove black patina from a piece that is completed but unwaxed that has had some bad effects from water?
How do you do this?
Answer
To ...
Green Patina
Hi,
Is there anything I can use that will give me a green finish?
Answer
Jax Green Patina is the only product that I know of.
Here is ...
Antique Brass Patina
Where can I get the Antique Brass Patina that you mentioned in your tutorial on patina.
Thank You
Rita
Hi Rita,
You'll have to do a Google search ...
Antique Brass Patina - Does It Need Neutralizing?
Hi, I have a bottle of antique brass patina but I've never used it before nor has my stained glass instructor. Does it need to be neutralized? If so,...
Black Patina After Black Cement
After scrubing off the black cement the lead came is black. Do I steel wool black off before applying novacan black patina?
Answer
Novcan Black Patina ...
Black Patina Etc
Isn't there some sort of way of getting the solder black using the iron?
Answer
None that I ever heard of. Using the iron would continuously melt ...
Applying Black Patina to Lead Came
I'm fairly new at doing stained glass projects and have a problem getting the patina to cover evenly on lead came. I use the lead came for framing my ...
Black Patina Zinc
How can you black patina zinc came?
Answer
Hi Sherry,
This was discussed just a few days ago. This page about Patina Problems should answer ...
Black Patina Staining Clear Glass
Hi There.
I wonder could you help me with a problem. Having made, washed and dried two copper taped soldered stained glass windows, I applied black ...
Black Patina.
I didn't wash off the flux before I added black patina to my solder. I would like to get a nice shine on the patina but don't know how. Should I wash ...
Verdigris Color Copper Patina
Hi,
Thank you for the great information on this site! I'd love to know of a patina approach that will reliably produce the verdigris look that occurs ...
Patina Problems
After applying patina to a project, I have been finding patches of copper foil showing through. At first I thought I had not covered the entire piece ...
Advisibility Of Patina For Outdoor Foiled Piece
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 ...
Black Patina Turning Pewter Color
I am having trouble with my black patina not staying black....it seems to turn a pewter color and loses that wonderful black color. I live in the country ...
Copper Patina With an Antique Look
I am making a piece that is 8" by 73". I want to use copper patina. The look that I want is the antique finish not the bright shiny patina. Should I ...
Gray Looking Patina
Hi Sue,
I need your help again.
I have a panel that was done a few years ago.
The black solder lines are looking grayish now.
Should I take a wire ...
Best Results for Copper Patina
A suggestion to achieve great Copper Patina results.
Use TSP (tri sodium phosphate) as the only cleaning agent. It is available from paint stores and ...
White Spots on Black Patina (Copper Foil)
Sue, First of all I would like to thank you for creating this web site, and taking the time to help all of us out here in learning this wonderful stained ...