I have tried several solutions to your question. Using strips of parent material can work,but the melting point is too close. Elecrical wire seems to be de-ox, but again the melting point is two close. I would use Harris zero for best color match. Just don't try to grind it or it will appear bright.

Jake,

You're correct in your understanding of the differences between soldering, brazing and welding. You can TIG weld copper, but it take a LOT of heat and a very deft touch to avoid meltdown. Soldering is far easier if you don't the higher strength of welding or silver soldering.

I don't know of any copper-colored low melting point solder, but they come up with new stuff all the time so there may very well be one available now. Back when I was doing stained glass work, we used a patinating chemical that turned the lead/tin soldera copper color. I would think that might solve your problem, perhaps. Check with the stianed glass supply places or boards for more info.

Jake.
I'd call the process welding. Hint to understanding: two items with the same composition and melting point can melt at differing times if they are not of the same mass. It's about btu's not temp. Copper wire will work and be easier to find than a copper penny. For that matter a red gold solder may also work. The direct weld approach and the red gold solder approach will both require torch control Ie. practice. Most times the seam showing isn't the real problem, It's the excessive excess solder showing. Another hint : the pieces of " solder" are thinner than a sheet of paper and about as big as the period at the end of this sentence. My flame is about the size of this l It's an oxy acte flame so you know the temp. It's a jewelry problem. another realm within the metalsmithing world. Brad

My solution is to silver solder with my usual silver solders and when the last soldering is done, copper plate it by using "blue" pickle and a piece of iron. If there is a lot of buffing, filing, sanding to do, do it first as the copper plate is thin.

marilyn

FYI, they do make copper solder. Are you still looking for it? I found it on ebay and will research exactly who I bought it from if you want. Otherwise, try doing a search on ebay for it.
I haven't used it yet so I can't say how it looks when done.

Hi, I have been using regular Stay-Brite silver bearing solder with a small propane torch. Yes it is silver in color. Buy a product called Super Brite copper patina for solder and follow the instructions. The product is made by Novacan and they also carry other patina colors. I was so happy to find that it worked really well. Now my solder finally matches the copper. You can find it easily on the internet, I ordered mine from Tracy's Stained Glass Workshop or at a stained glss shop near you. Josey