PATINA – A BRONZE ODYSSEY Part 3

PATINA – A BRONZE ODYSSEY Part 3 By Adam Clegg

Methodology

Now your watch is nice and clean, you are ready to take the plunge and create your new patina. For most of the above, I would recommend using a sealable Tupperware container, as some of these products are quite pungent and you may well be asked to leave the house when working at your kitchen sink. Another reason for the sealed container is to ensure none of the fumes escape, as we want these to remain in the vicinity of the watch and do their job properly.

NB – Chemical reactions are controlled by temperature as well as concentration of the agent, so if this is your first time with these agents, start with a low concentration and perhaps keep the temperature cool. If you do not get the desired result, then either increase the concentration, or the temperature to speed things up a little. 

• LOS– The secret with LOS is to be patient and start with a low concentration. Take your Tupperware tub and fill it with sufficient water to cover the watch completely. Add a few drops of LOS and mix well. Add the watch and observe the reaction. Something I have found is you can remove the watch and brush with a toothbrush as exposure to air seems to increase the reaction. ALWAYS have a cool tap running in case you need to stop the reaction, as quick rinse will do the trick.

• Hard boiled eggs (another smelly one) – boil a few eggs until hard-boiled and then immediately shell them. Slice them up, or mash them, whichever your preference and place in your Tupperware container, leaving space for your watch (I prefer not to let them touch the case so the Hydrogen Sulphide can permeate around the watch) and put the lid on. This method is rather slow and you may find you need to leave your watch in the container for several hours, or even overnight if you want a dark patina.