Cassandra,
I get my red on copper by heat treating. I have an electric
burnout oven which limits my scale but most of the time that doesn't bother me. Red comes at 700 -1000 degrees, I soak at temp for ten minutes, then quench in new pickle. 300 degrees is a lot of range but I experiment within that range until I get what I like. Best of luck. Hope this helps. Brad

Sometimes this works: dissolve cream of tartar in water (as much as the water will hold) and then bring to a boil. Immerse the copper into the boiling cream of tartar/water, let boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Take the copper out of the water and then heat it with a bushy propane flame until you get a brilliant scarlet red.

Mark

Thanks so much BJ, Warren and Mark,
All very helpful suggestions. Will try some of these and see what happens. Will let you know, thanks again! Cassandra

www.tanzende.com

Cassandra; I was so pleased to view your question, and the answers you got, as I too have been trying/wishing to get the same result. Given my limitations, I tried the flux idea and was successful, but I don't believe it's the kind of patina I want. The examples I saw were in the 12/07 "Lapidary Journal". Have you seen it? The article recommends websites: www.der.org/films/copper-working.html and www.artesanocopper.com . In the article, it basically says heat and quenching, in the artesanocopper site it says polishing, then baking. I've got lots of copper,(free!!), and would love to put it to good use, but feel for jewelry it's integrity would be enhanced by a patina that doesn't oxidize. Have you had any luck in the last year? Please let me know one way or the other. Thank you; Cheryl

Here are 2 sites I have in my favs for links to recipes. I haven't tried any of them yet.
1. Sculptnouveau

and.....

Here is a site with recipes and supplies.
They have every possible color listed.

2. Secure.sciencecompany.com

Ready made patinas.
www.sculptnouveau.com/dyeoxide.html

Use the quick links dropdown on the left for various types.

Cassandra,
I haven't tried any of the other tricks posted so thanks for opening up a great thread. My experience with copper by itself is limited but I have worked quite a bit with bronze which is over 90% copper. Basically the reds found in bronze statuary is the result of a chemical called Ferric Nitrate which is usually laid over a base color of Liver of Sulphur or Birchwood Casey (modified gun bluing). Your reds have a decent range but are a tad on the earthy side. I have seen a growing popularity for brightly colored sculpture patinas that use pigments(dry) to achieve a wider range of color. One still uses the Ferric Nitrate but you can then (sparingly) apply layers of pigments in between the chemical layers. Or you can dip your patina brush in the chemical and just touch the brush to the dry pigment and apply. The Nitrate family acts as a binder to the metal so you must apply the ferric over the pigment. One last thing, ferric is a tricky partner, and can turn on you fast if the metal is to hot, the mix is to strong etc... There are a lot of great books on Patinas and you should do some reading if you go chemical. I hope this was helpful in some way.

Hi. Great info ya'll. I was recently in Mexico where I purchased some natural (or so they said)copper pieces. Is there a natural red copper? It is like a rich brick red color.And... does it have the same medicinal properties? 2... Do you think heating, baking.. any of the processes mentioned may erase the medicinal benefits? I am a guitar player and the copper braclets I've started wearing have eliminated any arthritic pain I had after 40 years of playing. Any way... I love the stuff and hope someday I can get into doing what you all do.....Sounds fascinating, and i've got so many ideas... Thank you, Josie