Removing Patina From a Copper Foil Lampshade...

by Craig
(San Antonio, Texas, USA)

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 don't know how to remove the patina from the sections where I would like to add the new pieces so that the new pieces can he soldered and subsequently patinaed again. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks!

Answer

There are several ways to do it. Go over the patina with steel wool or, better yet, bronze wool. That will remove the patina quickly and easily. Or...you can just leave it. When you solder over it, the patina will burn off, although it is a bit messier because the burned off patina will occasionally leave some residue embedded in the solder.

However, when you add the pieces, you should remove the solder bead around the areas where the new pieces will go. That in itself will take care of the patina problem since you will be running the solder off, patina and all. You want to put the new pieces up against glass that does not have a solder bead around it. If you need help on how to remove the solder, have a look at my tutorial on repairing copper foil at: Copper Foil Repair