Time Limit Between Soldering and Copper Patina

by Nancy
(Portland Oregon)

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 or it won't turn copper color.

Answer

You apply the patina as soon as you clean the project. If you need to wait, there are two ways you can do it. Either clean the project twice...once as soon as you are done soldering, and again just before you patina, or clean the project once, then wax and polish the solder. Then, just before you apply the patina, wax and polish again. Yes...you wax before you apply patina as well as afterwards. Another alternative is to wipe the flux off the project and slip it into a plastic bag until you can get back to it. Then when you're ready to work on it, you can clean it and apply your patina. You might find this tutorial helpful: Cleaning, Patina, and Polish Your Stained Glass Projects