Etching copper

[weo]

Hello all. Let me start by saying that I KNOW you're not supposed to etch copper because it will contaminate the acid and anything else you etch in that solution will com out with a copper patina. But that's exactly why I'm asking...
I make damascus jewelry with my ends, pieces and leftovers, and want to see about giving some of my stuff that copper patina.
Has anyone done this purposfuly like I'm planing and if so:
1) How long do you need to let the copper sit in the ferric chloride solution to infuse it with the copper?
2) How long do you need to etch the damascus to get the patina?
3) How durable is the patina/how long should it last on jewelry?

Thanks.

as always
peace and love
billyO

 

[kuraki]

Well, I've done this two ways, both mistakes. In the parkerizing tank, and with copper contamination in the FC tank. In either case the patina is as durable as the intended finish. I can't answer the other questions other than it seems to me to be completely irrelevant other than possibly how intense you want the coloration from the copper to be, ie more copper in solution=more deposited on the item. I would start small and work your way up, as it does not seem to take much at all.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

It's better to just buy a bottle of copper plating solution.
Copper plating is relatively soft. It wears easily and it tarnishes.