How To Turn Copper Roof Green

Wondering how to turn copper green.

How to turn copper roof green.

A copper roof that was pre finished in a dilute solution of sulfurated potash is quickly changing color. This change occurs as a result of a chemical reaction between the copper moisture and oxygen referred to as oxidation. Two years later it has begun to rapidly turn a tan to rust color within a couple months. Copper normally changes in appearance from a shiny red metal to a dull green.

Some copper roofing products come factory treated to keep your roof looking new and freshly cleaned. The process of the change in color of copper when it is exposed to air is called oxidation oxidation typically turns copper black which is evidenced by dirty looking pennies that have been passed around for a long time. We re adding patina copper sheets to our stairs but first i needed to experiment to find the perfect copper patina recipe. When it was installed on the roof it was almost black in color.

Before you begin gather some steel wool a bowl paper towels dish soap baking soda and a finishing wax or lacquer. Copper roofing is bright pink to begin with and in time it can gain a brownish color and then a nice blue green patina the patina is due to the process of oxidation and the sulfur particles in the atmosphere. Otherwise copper will do what it does best and quickly oxidize and turn green. Copper is a popular choice for quality roofing gutters and downspouts as well as roofing fixtures and decorative elements on walls entryways and basically anywhere it adds a design element.

One subtle patina d copper second a green copper verdigris the last a blue patina on copper. When copper is exposed to water it turns a bluish green color like the statue of liberty or the roofs on old mansard buildings. Here are a few ways to make copper turn green quickly. Copper roofs naturally turn green from exposure to the elements.

It takes about 20 years for copper to turn greeen in normal conditons. Copper can also turn gray brown or blue in some circumstances. Polyurethane treatment keeps a copper roof shiny for a few years but will require reapplying every so often. I ve got the copper patina solution recipes for you.

This process will take several months or years depending on the atmospheric conditions in your area. Here you ll find three. To turn copper green create a verdigris paina by rubbing the metal with a vinegar and salt solution. I am noticing this same change in oxidation on other copper roofs in the area.