Try using the patination solution at about half strength or less and apply it to slightly warmed metal. I recommend a spray bottle to mist it on, then simply let it sit overnight or longer. When a patina develops quickly, it will usually flake off, but id it develops slowly it is more permanent.

Let me know how it works out for you.

Hi, I do a lot of patina on new and old copper alloys.

Pickling may give you a really clean surface but sometimes the surface is too smooth and may need a little tooth such as rubbing with a worn green or red scotchbrite, and maybe with some of the diluted solution. Wear rubber gloves

Sometimes I have rubbed the surface with sand and water to roughen it up.

Sometimes you can apply the chemical, rub off most of the results the next day and apply again.

Use plain water to dilute. Distilled is not necessary.

Make a 50% dilution and try it on a scrap piece of copper. See how it holds up.

Experiment on the scraps until you get what you want.

Best, Tom.

You are probably getting the patina too thick. A thin layer will stay on a lot better.

marilyn

sand the copper clean first, wipe totally clean with acetone, then apply jax patina. I use to have same problem on roofs.