My patina is not turning out as I expected

by Carole
(Sadorus, IL)

Q:Whenever I choose the bright copper patina to finish a project, it doesn't turn out bright copper at all. It is more a blotchy green.

I use flux remover, and clean the piece very well with soap and water, then steel wool the solder lines before I apply the patina, but am unhappy with the results. Am I missing something, or is there a trick to getting that nice copper finish?

A:
You are missing one trick to - wax the entire design after you have cleaned,and applied the patina. I find that car wax provides the results you need.

The wax gives a shiny finished look. And it should give you the results you are looking for.
- Just one question- are you using lead free solder? Is that the reason for the steel wool?

Patina doesn't take well to lead free solder.

Let us know your results after you wax and polish your entire design front and back with a lint free cloth.

Please leave your comments/tips to help Carole...