An adventure in colour!

I love working with brass oxidised pieces in my work... however sometimes I want a slightly different look and feel.
Work had begun on a special piece but the pieces of brass ox were all different tones and I wanted a deeper, earthier look for this design. After attempting to change the colour of the brass with the XL gel(more on that method later) with no success, I attempted to patina the pieces with my butane torch.

Torch patina on sealed brass ox

 

As you can see on the piece above the torch allowed for pastel rainbow tones to further enhance the piece... but it wasn't the deep earthy colour I was wanting.

The Dilemma:

The problem in why the XL gel and the torch did not provide the desired effect was that the brass ox pieces have a sealant on them. So now the question was how to remove the sealant?!?
After asking in a few forums it was suggested that vinegar or dishwashing liquid would cut through the sealant. I attempted this method and then repeated my earlier steps of XL gel or torch but still with the same result.
So then how could I get these pieces the way I needed them to be?
After digging through my tools, I came across my metal bristle brush (can be purchased from hardware stores for around $2) and decided I would use that. I gently brushed the pieces in a circular motion to bring them back to a shiny brass finish.

Brass ox sealant stripped by metal brush

Success! The patina methods were now yielding a much better result.


Below you will find some of the different methods I tried to achieve a different colouration, each starts with a brushed back piece.

Liver of Sulphur Gel Method:

Starting with a brushed back piece of brass, mix the LOS gel as per instructions.
I HIGHLY recommend working with this mixture in a well ventilated area, preferably outside.
This method is what my husband calls the "fart juice" method!
The smell of the sulphur will produce a rotten egg smell that you do not want to have indoors, working with gloves is also highly recommended.
I submersed the piece for a few minutes and then removed it, rinsed it under cold water and then dried it. Darker results can be obtained by repeat applications and stronger ratio of gel.

LOS gel for patina

LOS gel on unsealed brass ox pieces

The result of the XL gel on the pieces gives a gorgeous rainbow of shimmery golds, olives and browns. So much nicer than pictured.

Salt and Vinegar Method:

This method is great to patina keys, metal findings and funky upcycled metal bits and bobs!
Fill a small container with vinegar and add a tablespoon of table salt, add metal items to the mixture and leave overnight.
The vinegar will remove the sealant and the salt will help to start the oxidisation process.
Remove the items from the mixture, allow to dry and check the finish. If it requires more patina, repeat the process again.
I really wish I had known this method years ago before I purchased expensive chemicals to give a green patina to my pieces! No chemicals, no fumes and low cost. It's a win win situation.

Salt and Vinegar on keys and brass ox unsealed piece

As you can see in the image it starts to give a pale green verdigris finish to the brass piece and the two keys have different finishes as a result of the different metals they are composed of.

Vintaj Ranger Ink Patina Method:

For this method you simply paint on the patina (available in lots of stunning colours) and allow it to dry. You can finish with a wax or spray sealant if desired. This is a great method for those that want a no fuss finish and want to achieve a variety of colours. You can find this ink at various jewellery stores both in Australia and overseas.

Vintaj patina on unsealed brass ox piece

This was getting closer to the look I wanted but I wanted some colour that had dimension to it and was not just a flat colour.

Butane Torch method:

This method involves placing the unsealed pieces on a heat proof material, I use fire bricks which can be purchased for around $5 from heating stores. Place your butane torch onto the pieces on a high flame. If you wish to create a rainbow effect gently wave the heat back and forth till the colour you desire is achieved. I wanted a deep rich, dark colour so I held the heat on the pieces till they glowed red and then removed the heat to check the darkness.

Butane Torch Patina on unsealed brass ox

It doesn't look it in the photo but it gives a deep brown with some red patches and some almost black patches. A very earthy, fire blackened look which was what I was wanting!

So why all this work?!?

So why was I wanting a deep earthy look? I was working on a piece inspired by the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. I wanted a piece that reflected it's pink and purple hues as well as the earthy nature of the trees and forest. The torch finish allowed the brass pieces to be more uniform in colour and to closer match the black hand dyed silk ribbon and the black metal pieces used in the piece.

All up I am quite happy with how it turned out and the earthy, blackened tones in the metal show up so much nicer in real life.