I'm interested in the answer to aging copper in a short period of time
(within 2 weeks) so it has a nice natural chocolate brown color and
not a green color. I know certain chemicals will age it quickly such
as amonnia, but these chemicals give copper a nasty green look among
other colors. If a certain chemical answers this question, i'd also
like to know the best places to purchase this. I'm mostly interested
in aging sheet copper up to 1/16" Thank you.

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Clarification of Question by bpyle-ga on 14 Jan 2006 03:17 PST

If the technique takes a little longer than 2 weeks but no longer than
40 days, i'm still interested in an answer. I'm looking for a nice
chocolate brown color similar to aged pennies. Thanks again

Here are some suggestions:
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/sources/msg0116484112258.html

This is a little more professional:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ww_chairs_stools_benches/article/0,2049,DIY_14439_2276538,00.html

but it is aiming for the green patina, but maybe with a shorter
exposure the brown color occurs.

This may also be interesting to you, but no recipe:
http://www.skyartstudio.com/copper-patina-chart.php

You will have to contact the people with this site to find out if it
does what you want:
http://www.inlandcraft.com/msds/msds60028.htm

I think I can direct you to the best authority. WHen the Statue of
Liberty was refurbished they did tons of reseach (they wanted it
green). Get info from them. They finally gave up and bought old
copper.

Check out:

<http://www.coscosci.com/patinas/patinaformulas.htm> - collection of
solution formulas and a source of needed chemical supplies

<http://www.patinas.com/color.html> - pre-made solutions for making
patinas of various types on copper-based metals (check out "Tri-brown
C-1" on the color chart)

<http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/japanese-patinas-samples.htm> -
traditional Japanese formulas for creating various patinas

I don't know much chemistry, but I think you want copper oxide, so
something like hydrogen peroxide might be worth a try.

This is a very simple problem.Chemicals are readily available to color
copper brown or black. Ive used them often. Check any electroplating
manual  or contact any electroplating chemical supplier.

Thanks all for your effort in helping to answer this question. I will
definitely experiment with all of the chemicals and suggestions
listed. I'm also very interested into looking further into
electroplating technology. I was unaware this existed until today.
Thanks!