Period copper not very period

[JoceAndChris]

I just received my Broughton radiator that I posted about months ago - it took them 3 months to make it!! Apparently they made 2 and they broke so we hope this is 3rd time lucky. But, it doesn't look like the one in the website:

http://www.periodstyle.co.uk/broughton-towel-radiator-in-copper-with-6-section-cast-iron-radiator-3366-p.asp

That looks nice and dull and unobtrusive, but the one I have received is an eye-wateringly bright copper, so shiny it blinds. Will it dull down quickly? Is there anything I can do to make it less bright? Any thoughts gratefully received, as ever.

 

[plasticpigeon]

you can buy antiquing solution such as this.

http://www.restoration-materials.co.uk/www.restoration-materials.gbr.cc/info.php?p=6&pid=654375&ack=9

I used it on a brass curtain rail, and it works well, although I preferred immersing parts in a dilute solution. This stuff is better used a bit diluted as it darkens the metal very quickly. However I'm sure your radiator will dull down naturally.

 

[angrybird]

Hi joce I saw this company at Grand designs live and remember keeping their name, maybe a quick phone call might be worth while
http://coppagutta.com/patina.htm

the old fashioned way:
you can make a solution of salt dissolved in vinegar. brush or spray the solution on CLEAN copper,rub with a lemon dipped in salt, and then immediately wash with soap and water and do not touch with bare hands. The oils from your hands will make the patina not stick. By the next day there should be a good old fashioned patina.

I would recommend a test patch first in an inconspicuous area

Good luck

Jacqueline x

 

[88v8]

Ere ere ere... wot abaht a bit of Period patience.... It will dull down soon enough. Then you can polish bits of it to make highlights.


Ivor

 

[jocelyn plummer]

I should let it dull down naturally Joce

 

[MdB]

I should let it dull down naturally Joce

I'm not sure I would. Some copper pipe I installed 4 years ago is still got a bit of a shine to it. However, it is very uneven and you can very much see where I put my greasy fingers on it in places and this looks unsightly.

 

[jocelyn plummer]

Good point MdB! Joce, have you asked the company who supplied you with the radiator?

 

[PeterI]

My experience with copper (on a model ship) is that if it's been cleaned with something like a fibre glass pencil it takes around six months to dull down. However if a "brasso" type cleaner has been used it dulls down within a week or so.

It's possible that the copper has been lacquered which would of course stop it from oxidising, model ship makers use super glue which gives the same effect if you're careless with the glue and looks horrible which is why I've now had experience with using a fibre glass pencil to clean the glue off.

Possibly worth checking with the supplier to see if they've treated the copper.

Peter

 

[LadyArowana]

Given that Joce has chickens I would suggest the hardboiled egg approach, but she would need an awfully large baggie. http://www.beadinghelpweb.com/basics/techniques/oxidize-silver/ the wonderfully named "liver of sulphur" also works http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSXHsTUXyrk but is filthy stuff. I think patience ( or laziness ) is the best answer.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Gosh, how fascinating about the hard boiled eggs! Never knew that! Might be a bit impractical for a radiator, but very tempted to use this method on a vintage silver bracelet I have - I took it in last week to have 2 new charms attached and they cleaned it without asking!! I've had this bracelet since I was 7, it's loaded with charms that stand for various events, and I was pretty horrified to get it back gleaming bright.

Thanks for suggestions of solutions for the radiator, I think I'll wait 6 months and come back to them if I'm still not happy.it isn't lacquered, it's supposed to be an antique copper finish, whether it really is, I don't know.

Interesting to hear MdB say that after 4 years some of his copper has an uneven finish. And I've also experienced the dullness of copper 6 months after applying Brasso, so that might be the easiest answer.

Thanks again!

 

[LadyArowana]

Gosh, how fascinating about the hard boiled eggs! Never knew that! Might be a bit impractical for a radiator, but very tempted to use this method on a vintage silver bracelet I have - I took it in last week to have 2 new charms attached and they cleaned it without asking!! I've had this bracelet since I was 7, it's loaded with charms that stand for various events, and I was pretty horrified to get it back gleaming bright. !

It's the stinky hydrogen sulphide that does it, volcanic places that emit the gas will tarnish silver jewellery really quickly too. They should really have asked before they cleaned it, but probably thought they were being kind. A piece of jade I made into a pendant for a friend was filthy when she gave it to me. It had lots of carving where dirt had accumulated and I discussed it with her before I got rid of the grubbiness. She was actually horrified that it had been so filthy.