Flame Coloring Copper

A short explanation of how we flame color our copper work.

[@davidjohnson9517]

Fantastic work!

[@gregmetzler6828]

Fantastic art work... and your videos are great for someone just getting into sculpture using copper!

[@waterfallforge8320]

Greg, feel free to call or email if you have questions about your copper work. Contact info is on my website.

[@shannonpeterson4891]

Omg. So beautiful! My fav is watching the colors appear!

[@CDMANNING11]

nice you have my dream job very impressed i did ice carvings for 15 years came across some scrap copper that i will make my wife something your tips are very helpful

[@waterfallforge8320]

Dave, feel free to email me or call if you ever have questions. Try visiting the FB page or website too. Thanks

[@TheWolfgangfritz]

I sure enjoy your tutorials! That Heron is magnificent! I notice it's been a year since you posted anything; how's it going? Miss you!

[@waterfallforge8320]

Thanks. Take a look at my Waterfall Forge FB page and you'll see what's been keeping me busy. I do plan on doing more soon.

[@donaldcarbone2073]

You and your work is very interesting. Give us some. Let us see your waterfall work

[@waterfallforge8320]

Donald, I've been crazy busy lately and have really dropped the ball on the videos. I will put a series together making a small fountain later. Within the next two weeks I'll do an easy project for some of you to do a holiday gift or for yourself. Thanks

[@carlolisadangelo2854]

Hi Buddy, im in BIG appreciation of your craft ! do you have any tips on getting red only or green only or golden tones only ? lazy flame ? hopefully flame only technique. And thanks!

[@waterfallforge8320]

Carlolisa, the best reds are brought up slowly with soft flame. The other colors are moved thru as heat increases. The catch is that you have to move heat off occasionally to see where color is going. If you keep applying heat hoping to get to the color you want, then when that color shows up, it's too late, because the color will change as soon as you remove the heat. It would be great if all the colors would be repeatable but that's pretty difficult. But clean copper and slow rise in heat will get you some nice reds and purples. Good luck.

[@markshi7052]

Nice job,what kind of clear coat to keep from oxidizing ,and will coat take away from blues and purple showing through? thank you

[@buddyholmes6317]

Mark, Any good quality spray clear will work. I use Rustoleum Gloss on most pieces. The clear that's used on mag wheels works well too. The colors will change some no matter what you use. It depends on whether it will be used outside or inside as to how long it will resist changing from oxidation. If it's a "fancy" piece, you can try Everbrite as well. It's real good but pricey.

[@markshi7052]

@@buddyholmes6317 Thank you

[@salvaterrapottery]

Could you tell me where you get your copper. I make lamp shades for my pottery lamps. Thank you!

[@buddyholmes6317]

Sue, I buy full sheets about 3' by 10' as I go through it fairly quickly. You may consider getting some smaller pieces (drops) from a local sheetmetal/roofing shop. I would also check for a local sheetmetal distributor if you need full sheets. Be prepared for sticker shock.

[@salvaterrapottery]

Thanks for the response. Yea, I heard copper is really expensive now.

[@1docg]

Could you explain a little more detail about the Sodium Bisulfate bath you use? You mention that it's in large bath which means it's likely not a heated solution. How strong and how long does it take to clean a medium size piece after annealing and forming?

[@buddyholmes6317]

"Medium size piece" is relative. Let's say that whatever you are working on can be lowered into a 40 gallon trash can. Then to start I would use a 5 lb bag of the granules. I get mine from Amazon for about $10. It's "PH Minus" for pools. The next question would be the outside temp if you have your bucket outside. If the temp is in the 60 to 90 degree F range, then it will probably take a few hours. If temp is lower, then time will increase and you will probably need to add more product.. For most of our work, we clean individual pieces then assemble. If it's a small piece we will drop the whole piece in at once. Be sure to wash it really well several times.

[@1docg]

Thanks for the reply Buddy, it's very helpful. Medium = smaller than a cymbal and larger than an earring in my shop. Ha.@@buddyholmes6317

[@natalielarue2872]

can you tell me what you coat it with? Does it change the color?

[@waterfallforge8320]

Natalie; there any number of good coatings but all will alter the color some. Everbrite is good, but pricey. Rustoleum makes some good clear and also a type of glossy for mag wheels. I use that a good bit on my smaller pieces. Two part auto clear is the best, but I only use it for really large outdoor pieces.

[@ritagjefle3995]

What do you use to seal your pieces and keep the colors from fading?

[@waterfallforge8320]

I use several things. Rustoleum makes a Clear Gloss in a shaker bottle. I also use Permalac and Everbrite. They are more expensive but work well.

[@ritagjefle3995]

Waterfall Forge - thank you! others had told me it was difficult to maintain and preserve the color-but I knew you must have an answer! You are so kind for sharing your expertise!

[@waterfallforge8320]

@@ritagjefle3995 Any product will change the color some. Use several light coats not heavy ones.

[@ritagjefle3995]

Does it make a difference what type of torch I use?

[@waterfallforge8320]

Rita, torches come in all sizes. You don't need a big torch for the sort of work you see me doing. A "light" duty or medium duty will work fine. Most of what I do uses smaller torches but I do keep a larger torch on hand for when I need some extra heat. You can use propane or acetylene. Acetylene is much hotter but also more expensive by far. You can use propane with acetylene tips but lighting them initially takes a bit of practice. Propane tips and adapters are available for many small torches. Tinmantech.com and Paigetools.com have the Meco torch and accessories plus other handy products. I currently own and use a Meco torch, a Hoke torch, several Uniweld torches and a vintage Victor J Series torch. All work just fine. Always feel free to ask anything. Visit my Instagram and FB pages as well as my website if you get the chance. All can be found as Waterfall Forge.

[@ritagjefle3995]

Waterfall Forge - I can tell you are going to be an invaluable resource! Thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge! I am following you on Instagram now and will also find you on Facebook. Thanks once again!