Very Very Verdigris ?

6 years ago

When we bought our house, it had some copper details; a copper cupola, a standing seam copper roof over the DR. etc.

We created a new front entry and also added an overhang for our carriage house garage doors, also both standing seam copper. They were shiny and pretty for like a month, and have been brown ever since. I am waiting patiently for verdigris. I read somewhere it can take 20-30yrs; I am 10 yrs in.

Apparently, a chemical solution can be applied to verdigris the copper (along with a whole host of DIY approaches of dubious veracity). My painter is willing to do it. I am thinking def for my front entry and garage overhang, but then I am looking around ... what about my DR roof, to the back of the house? Gutters? downspout? The dog?

My house is white clapboard c. 1900, no shutters, no color really anywhere but white (and green landscaping, some blue hydrangeas). Only the cupola has naturally verdigris-ed. WWYD?

This is an example of the look I am going for (not solid):

Featured Answer

OutsidePlaying

6 years ago

Love the look. Do you have a spare or leftover piece you can practice with? Most of the small areas I have seen on houses here are as you describe yours....brown.

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Comments (9)

dedtired
6 years ago
I’d do it. I love that look. Is it possible to try it one spot and see how it goes?
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
6 years ago
I have a copper gooseneck over the garage, maybe there? I love the look too. Maybe it's a Philadelphia thing!
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dedtired
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Maybe it is. I see a lot of it here but maybe because the houses are so old. I just walked outside to see what my copper flashing is doing and it’s brown. Another 20 years to go.
mtnrdredux_gw thanked dedtired
jill302
6 years ago
If it were me I would test it on a small area

Years back I used a solution to verdigris a copper cabinet knob. Just a tester. It came out quite nicely, did not end up using it as the look did not really work with my cabinets. I believe that I used some sort of dubious homemade vinegar solution. ;) Since the piece was so small I just put it in a bowl and watched it, removing it when I was happy with the color. With a large area the professional solution is likely the way to go.
mtnrdredux_gw thanked jill302
martinca_gw sunset zone 24
6 years ago
Ive read that vinegar did the trick.
party_music50
6 years ago
I did this on copper art when I was a kid... iirc, I used what's called "liver of sulphur". It was a very quick and effective process. The actual process smelled awful -- like rotten eggs. lol!
mtnrdredux_gw
Original Author
6 years ago
Yes, I have heard that, party. No thx!

My painter is using this: https://www.patinas.com/blue---green-verde--445

Just in case someone is searching and wants the info!
Arapaho-Rd
6 years ago
Everything you could want to know re: copper patina

Copper Patina Guide