Torching copper wire
 

I want to make my own antique copper wire.Do I need to use pickle to clean it after? I am not a metalsmith, but it's silly for me to buy the antiqued wire when I have a torch. Whatcha think?

Do you mean green patina? I think soaking it in a mix of vinegar and salt will do it. There are lots of threads on this in the Jewelry forum.

If you mean brown/black finish, just hold it in the flame until it turns black. Let it cool naturally, don't quench, that will make the scale come off. Don't pickle it either, that is designed to remove coatings.

Copper can develop many finishes. Play around, be safe, have fun!

Thanks, I will!

I just put mine in liver of sulphur and then rub it with very fine steel wool - #0000. I'll see if I can find a picture of a finished piece.

Here is a picture of a piece I did and then put in LOS, then cleaned off with the steel wool.

Yes,Jane.That's the color I'm after.They call it Old Penny Copper Brown. I'll try the LOS when this freakin' snow storm passes!! I was brave enough to torch some today.

Here's another one I did with the LOS. You just dip it in for a few seconds, take it out, rinse it off, check the colour, and repeat as necessary. Stinky stuff, but great results.

I forgot I have done the LOS before, I love the results.I bought some antiqued copper wire on Etsy and she torches hers.I was just wondering if there is a certain technique to get it even.

Beautiful pieces, Jane.