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Removing Verdigris: Although verdigris gives some old items a certain charm, many people would rather get rid of it. Here’s how to easily remove verdigris.
Remove verdigris with the right cleaning method
Verdigris may be annoying, but it’s usually easy to remove. However, depending on the material and size of the object, you’ll need to take a different approach:
- A tried-and-true home remedy for verdigris is vinegar. For smaller items, such as copper coins or decorative objects made of copper or brass, you should first try soaking them in a vinegar bath. To do this, add plenty of vinegar to a bowl of water and let the items soak there for about two to three hours. By the way: You can also easily make vinegar yourself.
- Afterward, rinse the items thoroughly with water and, if necessary, treat stubborn spots with a soft cloth dipped in vinegar. However, do not use brushes here if you don’t want to replace the verdigris with unsightly scratches. Finally, dry everything thoroughly and, if possible, place it on a radiator or in the sun so that even the last traces of moisture disappear and the verdigris doesn’t return.
- Another method for tackling verdigris is to use ammonia and salt. To do this, dissolve one tablespoon of salt in a cup of ammonia and rub the solution into the copper or brass object. Be sure to protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves. Let the solution sit for about an hour, then wipe it off with a soft cloth.
- For wood, especially larger wooden surfaces, a pressure washer is a good option—provided the wood isn’t too delicate. By the way, you can easily rent one. Otherwise, you can also try cleaning with vinegar or thoroughly scrub the wooden surface with soft soap.
- Alternatively, you can also remove the verdigris using commercially available verdigris removers.
- Tip: No matter which method you choose—it’s important to remove all the verdigris and let the object dry thoroughly afterward.
