While it is a strong, stinky chemical, ammonia is not considered an environmental hazard.
I like to keep the fuming bucket around and sealed when not in use without disposing of the ammonia (though you will have to refresh it occasionally or it loses its umph). Remove the piece from the bucket, wash, and dry.
I usually go for overnight, but I've fumed pieces for a couple hours or several days. The longer it sits, the darker the patina. Be sure not to touch the metal while doing this-skin oils will prevent the fuming from working properly.Īllow to sit. Set your brass/copper piece on its platform inside the bucket and seal the lid. I've used canning jar lids, Tupperware lids, coffee cups, and anything else that'll hold the item stably. Place something plastic or metal in the bucket that your brass/copper can sit on without touching the ammonia. Pour a little bit of ammonia in the bucket, just enough to cover the bottom. You do not want to be taking big breaths of ammonia. Go outside or someplace with good ventilation. I use a Lowe's bucket because we fume some larger pieces, but this can be as simple as a piece of Tupperware. (These photos have not been color adjusted.)įind a bucket you can fully seal. You can quickly and easily create a rich patina for your copper and brass with only ammonia and a bucket.
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