Flame painting
may be among the simplest heat patination techniques for copper, but the
results are rather rewarding. No other metal yields such a wide array of colors
ranging from vibrant blues to pastel pinks. Passing the material through heat
for just a few seconds causes a chemical reaction that alters the color.
Through controlled application, Skip Matthews, dubbed the “father of flame
painting,” has discovered that it’s even possible to create beautiful patterns and shapes with the colors
produced throughout years of mastering the craft.
Heat patina is
perfect for making jewelry, charms, filigrees and other neat accessories.
Thanks to strong copper and brass sales growth, your raw materials are both accessible and
affordable to better hone your skills. Here are some useful tips to help you.
Focus the Flame
The best way to
achieve an even heat patina effect on the surface of your metal is to use a
flame source that can be focused. This is why professional copper colorists use
equipment that allows flame reduction to draw patterns on copper or brass. It
enables them to control the oxidation caused by the heat and produce the right
color based on how hot the fire is. For those who are just starting out,
however, torches running on butane will do just fine until you can work up to
better tools.
Mimic Brushstrokes
It’s called flame
painting for a reason. Sure, you can change the color of brass or copper by
just holding it to the fire for a few seconds, but creating stunning designs
requires some panache. It takes more than just heating the metal until it
changes color. Think of this method of heat patination as something akin to
painting on canvas. Move the torch in your hand as you would a paint brush and
heat up the surface evenly, especially if you’re intent creating intricate
patterns.
Learn to Let Up
The colors that
will be produced from this technique will depend on several factors including
the composition of your metal and the environment you choose for flame
painting. The most important variables, however, are the fire’s temperature and
how many times you heat the area. The surface can change colors even after
you’ve shut off your torch, so take note of how long it took to achieve the
specific shade you want. Eventually, you’ll get the hang of it and learn to
stop in just the right time.
Seal Your Patina
Preserving the
colorful pattern you create is an important last step, otherwise the brightest
hues will just fade away over time. There are plenty of sealants available on
the market, but it’s best to use sealants utilized by professional jewellers or
those that are specifically formulated for copper and brass. Spray the sealant
evenly on your creations so they retain the patina effect better and longer.
About Rotax Metals
Founded by Ronald
Rosenthal in 1947, Rotax Metals is an established wholesale supplier and
distributor of copper, brass and bronze products. We provide materials in a
variety of sizes and forms including angles, channels, coils, extrusions, rods,
sheets, tubes, and sheets. We cater to fabricators, artisans, craftsmen,
jewelers and other industries.
Sources:
Making Copper
Jewelry: Bright, Colorful Heat Patina and Other Copper-Friendly Jewelry
Techniques, Interweave.com
HOW TO COLOUR
STEEL WITH HEAT, Instructables.com
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