CBX™ 11 is a general purpose cold process patina concentrated antiquing solution for producing different tones of brown and black on copper, brass, and bronze surfaces. The copper and copper alloy substrates can be solid metal or electroplated deposit on metal substrates. See below note on substrate composition. The wide range of colours and shades achieved are largely testimonial of craftsmanship and experience. Chemical colouring techniques depend upon time, temperature, surface, preparation, mineral content of the water, humidity and other variables, which influence the ultimate results.
CBX™ 11, the concentrated patina can be used at 5% to 20% diluted with water to produce superb finishes. The make-up immersion solution operates at room temperature to produce medium-dark browns and black finishes with underlying red tones revealing highlighted brown tones. It can be sprayed on or wiped on in layers over short period of time. At room temperature it takes 45 seconds to 90 seconds submersion and then rinse with cold tap water. If CBX™ 11 is made up with warm water the process time of immersion is reduced to 30 seconds depending on the temperature. The surface area dries very quick with the swipe of a paper towel. A hand rub light touch with a fine Scotch-Brite abrasive pad with single pass can produce desirable results. A sprayed on water based or solvent lacquer accentuates the finish. Aquabond carries a water based lacquer Guardcoat™ TCP targeted with anti-tarnishing additives for copper alloys. The finish can be highlighted with pleasing black and brown tones/hues or US10B finishes. For more details on process operating, equipment, and analysis see TDS in the document section.
It should be noted that the metallurgical composition of the substrate plays a crucial role in the performance of antiquing colour performance and success. In North America we have a designated UNS no. for metals and alloys. See below the different metal composition with pure copper as C11000, commercial bronze as C22000, and the architectural bronze as C38500. See summary below.
UNS No. Common Name Nominal Name
C11000 Electrolytic Tough Pitch Copper 99.90 Cu
C22000 Commercial Bronze 90.00 Cu - 10 Zn
C23000 Red Brass 85.00 Cu - 15 Zn
C28000 Muntz 280 Metal 60.00 Cu - 40 Zn
C38500 Architectural Bronze 57.00 Cu - 40 Zn - 3 Pb
