Stopping the Patination
by Gail Duve
(Clearwater, FL)
Do you know the ratio of water, salt and vinegar to stop the process? Thanks
Stacy's Answer:
Hi Gail!I don't use salt and/or vinegar as that can create some interesting patinas in itself. When heated, salt/vinegar becomes a pickle that will remove a patina (and torch residue) from your metal. You only want to neutralize it.
You can add a couple tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in one cup water to use as a neutralizing dip to stop the patination process. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the baking soda residue and do not leave your pieces soaking in it. I've found that just a thorough rinsing in clean water works well if I'm not trying for colors, just simply black or brown.
