Cool Tools tested the shelf life of our Patina Gel again standard liver of sulfur. A sample container of Patina Gel was left out, uncovered, for over a year. Over that time a thin skin formed on the surface. After 14 months, the skin was stirred into the gel, and the batch of patina solution was mixed. The Patina Gel performed identical to another batch made from fresh Patina Gel. The liver of sulfur degraded quickly within a day after being opened and left uncovered. Water was added to test its ability to provide an antique finish on silver. The liver of sulfur failed to add a patina on metal. Cool Tools Patina Gel does not degrade when exposed to light or air the way lump form liver of sulfur does.
Instructions for UseCool Tools Patina Gel can be made as strong or as weak as you prefer it. A lemon yellow color is a good starting point. Use more or less to adjust the strength.
Antique Patina: Stir 1/4 teaspoon of Cool Tools Patina Gel into a glass or plastic container with 6 to 12 ounces of very hot (not boiling) water. Dip the articles into the patina solution using tweezers, or suspend from a bent wire, or use gloves. Once you have the color you desire, remove the articles and soak in a neutralizing solution of water with some baking soda added to it for about 5 minutes, then rinse, dry and finish.
Rainbow Patina: Mix as above, but use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Dip the items quickly in the solution and remove. Watch as the colors develop. When you see the colors you like, immediately immerse the articles in the neutralizing bath to stop the progression.
Rainbow Patina on Steroids: Follow the instructions for the Rainbow Patina above, but add about 1 tablespoon of ammonia to the solution. The ammonia brightens the colors and makes them pop. Neutralize the pieces after you achieve the colors you like.
Tips:
- Warm the metal object you intend to patina prior to dipping it in the solution. This will insure that you get an even patina on the metal.
- The metal must be completely clean and free of finger oils, polishing compound, grease, etc. Use a solution of warm soapy water with a little splash of ammonia to clean the metal. Use a toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels, then patina.
- After dipping, try using a paste of water and baking soda to clean away the oxidation from the high spots. In fact, keep a box of baking soda at the sink when working. Pour a tablespoon or so of baking soda into the palm of one hand. Add a few drops of water and make a thick paste. Use your thumbs to rub the metal with the paste. This will not only remove the oxidation from the high spots, it will also help neutralize the oxidizing action. The object can be left as is or polished as desired.
- For the darkest black, dipping the object several times is better than one long soak. Leave the object in the solution until it turns dark gray. Remove and rub away the unwanted oxidation with a baking soda paste. Rinse, then patina again. Repeat until you are happy with the black color.
- It's very important to neutralize the freshly dipped pieces. If you do not neutralize the metal, the liver of sulfur will continue to react with the metal and your item will require an immediate re-polishing. Leave articles in the neutralizing bath for about 1 or 2 minutes for ordinary metals, and a little longer for metal clay. Metal clay is porous and the patina solution can soak in and continue reacting for several
minutes.
