Learn how to use a simple flame to bring amazing color to copper. In 5 minutes, I will show you how to make a sample piece, plus a beautiful pair of earrings!
most videos keep it a secret how to seal flamepainted copper. The secret is "protectaclear" of everbrite. It is the (only) one who does not "eat" your wonderful colors!
Pam, the only thing I think may be that you are not moving constantly. The copper will get black or grey if too hot for very long. Keep working at it! ☺
If you use a dual hose torch, you can separate the colors and place the color of your choice where you want it to go, and even draw pictures with it! It is the most exciting art medium I have ever tried.
This was a very good demo, thank you! Clear visuals and excellent process. Thank you for sharing, much appreciated! fyi - I would remove all music and include the natural sounds of propane, metal, movement, etc. Its soothing and more educational to hear the sounds made when firing metal and engages the viewer in the process. Don't overlay those natural sounds with artificial and deafening music. Please don't have text floating in and out, it is super annoying, visually distracting, I have to wait to read the full text as it floats in. Keep it simple.
I really appreciate you sharing this, it is lovely! I tried it on a few of my copper clay pieces, but because my work is already detailed, it looked too busy. I love the simplicity of your work, allowing the colour to speak for itself!
So many people in the comments just ... don't get it ... here are the best tips I can give you from this video. Sounds like you are also maybe heating the metal by a candle or zippo, something that leaves soot behind from not cleanly burning the fuel. You really do need to: •clean the metal with something like rubbing alcohol to remove any and all grease & finger prints etc •heat the metal all over first, some say to a dull red glow, others not ... but it doesn't need to be red or white hot •use a BUTANE TORCH for flame or another clean burning fuel like a propane torch (burns hotter and bigger flame though) Once your u have the basics down •PRACTICE THIS quite a few times on scrap metal, then practice the coloring process •differ your angle of flame application, distance, anything you try will give different results •there is no CONSISTENT way to get the exact thing or color you want every time, with practice you get better result but even then you just got better than you were at this point right here today ... that's it
Wonderful example, thank you. I do have a question. I've created some pieces that have great vibrancy in color when the piece is facing forward, then from the side, it gets a bit dull in a different light. Ex. looking at the piece straight on, a section looks magenta. From the side it looks, more orangish. Is this just the nature of the metal or is it what I'm doing? In other words, should the colors look the same from all angles?
since doing the video, experience has shown me that you must preheat the copper completely first, then let rest a good 10 minutes. come back and flame the piece again. let cool and seal with clear coat. hope that helps!
I have been doing this so amany times, but never tried colling in water between heats... great to know and going to try it now... you get really good results that i end up hunting after for a long time on small pieces I make.
I used to a lot of brazing or silver soldering on copper joints for aircon install. I never even thought of this!! I have been doing some knife restoration, machete making and electroplating with copper. Can I do this on copper plated spoon I did? Any reply appreciated cheers from Australia just subbed.nice work love it 🙂👍👍👍
Thank you Lynne! Excellent video. I cannot seem to find crystal laquer spray. I do have Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel. But enamel isn’t the same , is it? Really changes the colors. I know sealing it will always change the color somewhat but what specifically are you using? Oh! I’ve also used Protectaclear
Brian Douglas yes if you sre torching close to the joints. If the joint is far enough away, the copper may not hold the heat so the joint would be spared. I would flame paint the copper first, then solder the joint.
Thank you for your comment. My oldest pieces are 3 years now, and they still show their color. The patina will darken a bit over time as normal oxidation of the metal will do that. To keep the color vibrant, I suggest using either a matte or gloss coat of Crystal spray lacquer.
I’ve had trouble finding the right lacquer. Any recommendations on brands? Is lacquer the same as enamel? Is this something I’d find in one of the big box stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.) or do I need to go to an art supplies store?
Thats so cool. Do you think I could use this or patina on a thin copper foil? I want to cover a table with copper and make it colourfull and then cover it with resin. But i dont have enough money for a lot of copper. The foil is lil 0.3mm or 1mm?
Hej i do this with a gas torch and a small one also but when finished how do i keep the colour onto the copper ? What i mean is, i sand down the copper, shine it up with wire wool and then use my burner on it , oce i have the colours i leave it cool, but then on some of them the colours all rub off and i am left with a blotchy colours . Any tips please ? Thanx could i use a lacquer to hold fast the patina ?
Great video! I appreciate the time you took, going step by step. And thank you for doing ¹ a pair of earrings! Im sooo excited and can't wait to get to the store, but Hobby Lobby isn't open at 2:39 in the morning. Question... what is the exact name of the crystal spray lacquer I should get? The kind I current have is pretty sticky. - thank you -
That looks beautiful! I've tried this several times and the copper goes all over black right away. I never get any color. Is my flame too big do you think?
Pam Free try getting a bunch of magic mushrooms and eating those then everything will be colorful. They’re easy to grow but illegal. Remeber the police need a warrant!
Pam Free Sounds like you are also maybe heating the metal by a candle or zippo, something that leaves soot behind from not cleanly burning the fuel. You really do need to: •clean the metal with something like rubbing alcohol to remove any and all grease & finger prints etc •heat the metal all over first, some say to a dull red glow, others not ... but it doesn't need to be red or white hot •use a BUTANE TORCH for flame or another clean burning fuel like a propane torch (burns hotter and bigger flame though) Once your u have the basics down •PRACTICE THIS quite a few times on scrap metal, then practice the coloring process •differ your angle of flame application, distance, anything you try will give different results •there is no CONSISTENT way to get the exact thing or color you want every time, with practice you get better result but even then you just got better than you were at this point right here today ... that's it
Carol, Yes Renaissance Wax is good to use. With years, the patina will darken a bit. The brightness of the color contrast may fade some. The only way to protect it so that there is no change ever is to use a clear LACQUER coat.
@@LynneSuprock , I've found that when I clear coat over the flame colors, many of the blues and reds fade considerably. I'm going to try a clear coat that made especially for brass and wee if the colors will stay vivid.
I've tried brass lacquer and it still turned either blues or pink or both to orange. Thats what i run into with the trillion things I've tried. I just had the best result with quickly dunking (slowly may work too) the entire piece in Varathane triple thick poly in semi gloss. I'm going to try a few more pieces and maybe go back to some others sealers I've tried before using this dunking method. I've heard that your suppose to use an acrylic lacquer bath??? Lynne Suprock or Becky Jamin, do you know what that is? Next up is Protectaclear by Everbrite.
most videos keep it a secret how to seal flamepainted copper. The secret is "protectaclear" of everbrite. It is the (only) one who does not "eat" your wonderful colors!
Excellent. So simple! I'm building a custom copper shower. I'm going to try this. Thank you!
Pam, the only thing I think may be that you are not moving constantly. The copper will get black or grey if too hot for very long. Keep working at it! ☺
If you use a dual hose torch, you can separate the colors and place the color of your choice where you want it to go, and even draw pictures with it! It is the most exciting art medium I have ever tried.
This was a very good demo, thank you! Clear visuals and excellent process. Thank you for sharing, much appreciated!
fyi - I would remove all music and include the natural sounds of propane, metal, movement, etc. Its soothing and more educational to hear the sounds made when firing metal and engages the viewer in the process. Don't overlay those natural sounds with artificial and deafening music.
Please don't have text floating in and out, it is super annoying, visually distracting, I have to wait to read the full text as it floats in. Keep it simple.
I really appreciate you sharing this, it is lovely! I tried it on a few of my copper clay pieces, but because my work is already detailed, it looked too busy. I love the simplicity of your work, allowing the colour to speak for itself!
So many people in the comments just ... don't get it ... here are the best tips I can give you from this video.
Sounds like you are also maybe heating the metal by a candle or zippo, something that leaves soot behind from not cleanly burning the fuel. You really do need to:
•clean the metal with something like rubbing alcohol to remove any and all grease & finger prints etc
•heat the metal all over first, some say to a dull red glow, others not ... but it doesn't need to be red or white hot
•use a BUTANE TORCH for flame or another clean burning fuel like a propane torch (burns hotter and bigger flame though)
Once your u have the basics down
•PRACTICE THIS quite a few times on scrap metal, then practice the coloring process
•differ your angle of flame application, distance, anything you try will give different results
•there is no CONSISTENT way to get the exact thing or color you want every time, with practice you get better result but even then you just got better than you were at this point right here today ... that's it
What brand of Spray Crystal Lacquer do you use?
Wonderful example, thank you. I do have a question. I've created some pieces that have great vibrancy in color when the piece is facing forward, then from the side, it gets a bit dull in a different light. Ex. looking at the piece straight on, a section looks magenta. From the side it looks, more orangish. Is this just the nature of the metal or is it what I'm doing? In other words, should the colors look the same from all angles?
The liquid in the tupperware is just plain water, used to quench the copper.
Brilliant!! I have a blow torch and heat block for pmc - I'm going straight onto ebay now to look for copper! :o) x
What ordwr does it change colour? Is there a colour chart?
If we only knew how to maintain the color without it fading over time.....
since doing the video, experience has shown me that you must preheat the copper completely first, then let rest a good 10 minutes. come back and flame the piece again. let cool and seal with clear coat. hope that helps!
That is cool!👍😃
What's the clear liquid in the tupperware that you add the compound to?
Jakee Russell das water my nigga
Cold water to quench it... It stops the molicules from moving. When you see it look good, make it stop in the cold water ;)
I have been doing this so amany times, but never tried colling in water between heats... great to know and going to try it now... you get really good results that i end up hunting after for a long time on small pieces I make.
I used to a lot of brazing or silver soldering on copper joints for aircon install. I never even thought of this!! I have been doing some knife restoration, machete making and electroplating with copper. Can I do this on copper plated spoon I did? Any reply appreciated cheers from Australia just subbed.nice work love it 🙂👍👍👍
Thank you Lynne! Excellent video. I cannot seem to find crystal laquer spray. I do have Rustoleum Crystal Clear Enamel. But enamel isn’t the same , is it? Really changes the colors. I know sealing it will always change the color somewhat but what specifically are you using? Oh! I’ve also used Protectaclear
Absolutely stunning and so mesmerizing to watch. ❤
To get those deepest richest colors, does the metal get hot enough to melt solder joints?
Brian Douglas yes if you sre torching close to the joints. If the joint is far enough away, the copper may not hold the heat so the joint would be spared. I would flame paint the copper first, then solder the joint.
Love this and have experimented since watching. Would you clean the copper over time, if so how, or does it not oxidate with the colour?
Thank you for watching. I would only seal with jewelers wax. I have not had colors oxidize over time.
@@LynneSuprock or wood wax as its cheaper, just not automotive wax.
How to I keep it from going black when I quench it
I am not quite sure. It should not turn black unless the heat is too hot or has been on the metal too long before quenching.
@@LynneSuprock oh ok thank you
Beautiful work, thanks.
Please consider changing how the description appears on the screen.
And one question, how long do the colors last?
Thank you for your comment. My oldest pieces are 3 years now, and they still show their color. The patina will darken a bit over time as normal oxidation of the metal will do that. To keep the color vibrant, I suggest using either a matte or gloss coat of Crystal spray lacquer.
I’ve had trouble finding the right lacquer. Any recommendations on brands? Is lacquer the same as enamel? Is this something I’d find in one of the big box stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc.) or do I need to go to an art supplies store?
@@bradthayer6782 Permalac is the best I have ever used. Matte is nice, they have enviro version too.
Nice work. Where a did you shop for the copper and the torch??
Very cool thanks
Thats so cool. Do you think I could use this or patina on a thin copper foil? I want to cover a table with copper and make it colourfull and then cover it with resin. But i dont have enough money for a lot of copper. The foil is lil 0.3mm or 1mm?
I have not done this technique on thinner copper foil so cannot advise.
Hej i do this with a gas torch and a small one also but when finished how do i keep the colour onto the copper ? What i mean is, i sand down the copper, shine it up with wire wool and then use my burner on it , oce i have the colours i leave it cool, but then on some of them the colours all rub off and i am left with a blotchy colours . Any tips please ? Thanx could i use a lacquer to hold fast the patina ?
I have used clear nail polish as well and a 3 part clear epoxy resin to seal
Close
Very cool!
Muchas gracias
Maravilloso trabajo.
Es la primera vez que lo veo tan claro .
Mi soplete propano viene en camino y lo reviviré hoy!!!😂😂 y manos a la obra.😊
Great video!
I appreciate the time you took, going step by step. And thank you for doing ¹ a pair of earrings! Im sooo excited and can't wait to get to the store, but Hobby Lobby isn't open at 2:39 in the morning. Question... what is the exact name of the crystal spray lacquer I should get? The kind I current have is pretty sticky.
- thank you -
Hello! Did you ever found out aboyt the crystal spray lacquer? I'd like to know.
Wonderful? Rainbow steel, do the colour's tarnish or go away over time from tarnishing 🤔
I add jeweler's wax. So far, have not had any issues.
Awesome!!
hehehe thanks.......;-)
What kind of crystal lacquer?
Thank you
love it thanks Lynne!
thanks Sue!!
What exactly is the fire brick for! Looks like you can touch it after you put it in the water?
Fire brick is used in order to don't burn your kitchen table ! or any table it is heat resistant material
To prevent heat damage to your surface. A fire brick absorbs heat. Other things may just transfer the heat.
Dope!
That's great news! Have fun!!
Lynne Suprock after I heat the copper and it’s all pretty and stuff can I eat it? It looks really yummy
Does this only work on thin sheets of copper? Or will it work on a one ounce chunk?
grapplergirl10 I have not torched 1 ounce chunks of copper so I cannot say specifically.
Yes it will but you may need a bigger buttan torch ,most of the metal will change colour when you apply heat ,steel will go bluish etc.
That looks beautiful! I've tried this several times and the copper goes all over black right away. I never get any color. Is my flame too big do you think?
Pam Free try getting a bunch of magic mushrooms and eating those then everything will be colorful. They’re easy to grow but illegal. Remeber the police need a warrant!
No its becose your flame is too hot
Pam Free
Sounds like you are also maybe heating the metal by a candle or zippo, something that leaves soot behind from not cleanly burning the fuel. You really do need to:
•clean the metal with something like rubbing alcohol to remove any and all grease & finger prints etc
•heat the metal all over first, some say to a dull red glow, others not ... but it doesn't need to be red or white hot
•use a BUTANE TORCH for flame or another clean burning fuel like a propane torch (burns hotter and bigger flame though)
Once your u have the basics down
•PRACTICE THIS quite a few times on scrap metal, then practice the coloring process
•differ your angle of flame application, distance, anything you try will give different results
•there is no CONSISTENT way to get the exact thing or color you want every time, with practice you get better result but even then you just got better than you were at this point right here today ... that's it
@@MinoritiesRlazy Idiot
@@thingsofsuch Im using flame thrower and it comes out amazing ! Like a rainbow ...
Can i use renesance wax
Carol, Yes Renaissance Wax is good to use. With years, the patina will darken a bit. The brightness of the color contrast may fade some. The only way to protect it so that there is no change ever is to use a clear LACQUER coat.
@@LynneSuprock , I've found that when I clear coat over the flame colors, many of the blues and reds fade considerably. I'm going to try a clear coat that made especially for brass and wee if the colors will stay vivid.
@@gsdlover257 I would be interested in knowing how that turns out. Thanks!
I've tried brass lacquer and it still turned either blues or pink or both to orange. Thats what i run into with the trillion things I've tried. I just had the best result with quickly dunking (slowly may work too) the entire piece in Varathane triple thick poly in semi gloss. I'm going to try a few more pieces and maybe go back to some others sealers I've tried before using this dunking method. I've heard that your suppose to use an acrylic lacquer bath??? Lynne Suprock or Becky Jamin, do you know what that is? Next up is Protectaclear by Everbrite.
This how my uncle got aids
Any particular gauge or hardness of copper? Thank you!
I used 24 gauge here. The thinner the copper, the quicker it will heat up and change colors.
Lynne Suprock Thanks so much!
you're welcome!
Is the color durable?