Making verdigris

This video shows the preparation of Verdigris, or copper green, a pigment obtained from the exposure of copper plates to vinegar.
This pigment was widely used during the middle ages in Europe, and there are many different recipes to obtain verdigris in works from this period.
Respiratory protection (mask) was used during the preparation of this video.
Sankt Lukas Gildet - 2017
www.sanktlukasgildet.com
Music by Jogralesca (www.jasilva.me/jogralesca)

[@harrisonlong644]

can you re-use the copper plates again?

[@preloprints]

Yes for sure!

[@lucamassenziopalermo3140]

@@preloprints Yes, several times. Until complete "consumption" of the metal plate.

[@adilamjad9171]

Is this toxic?

[@jobear9664]

Yes, you shouldn't breathe the dust, it can be corrosive and don't get in eyes.

[@ashleyhoward8926]

A lump of purest green, by Lord Percy.

[@mindseyeproductions7425]

Does the vinegar need to be kept hot the whole 2 weeks?

[@preloprints]

Not hot, but it helps the process if it's warm. In the middle ages, they would leave the pot on the ground with manure on top to keep it warm.

[@sclogse1]

What binder, and what proportion, etc.
Thanks.

[@preloprints]

In this video I'm not using a binder, just water to help gridding the pigment. The proportion is not that important, enough water to help the process, without making it into a thick paste. Then the pigment is stored in a jar and the water naturally evaporates, leaving the fine dust (pigment) ready to use, as in, to be mixed with a binder for paint. I usually only use gum arabic as a binder for paint (miniatures/illuminures), I never tried verdigris with size or oils.

[@pru5730]

I hope you are still reading comments. I found this video because I want to make watercolor paint with verdigris. Where do you purchase the copper plates? I was going to use some copper pipes I have here but I suspect the surface area of the small water pipes is not ideal.

[@preloprints]

I had these plates from a sign company I worked many years ago, leftovers of a fancy sign in copper. Water pipes don't sound ideal, but maybe you can hammer them flat? Otherwise try to look online for small copper plates for hobby or even for etching.

[@lucamassenziopalermo3140]

@@preloprints Copper plates used for etching are the best

[@ethereal369]

You can also use a piece of copper sheet metal in a thicker gauge.

[@sophievautour8573]

have you ever used pennies? is it okai if the material in not 100% copper?

[@preloprints]

Never used pennies, might be quite a lot of work of get a useful quantity of pigment from such a small surface. ;)
I suppose it would work if it's not 100% copper, but I've never tried.

[@dadeusfortunae]

Let's all scrap the Statue of Liberty

[@laurapintocoelho9443]

is it toxic?

[@ObsceneSuperMatt]

Use n95 mask or better, don't inhale!

[@oaknornlen]

Why my pigment turn brown when mix with water?

[@preloprints]

I don't know. Are you sure you used pure copper plates?

[@marklingard9]

Hi, what is the music that you use ?

[@preloprints]

"Jeu de Robin et Marion" performed by the Portuguese group Jogralesca - www.jasilva.me/jogralesca

[@bilbo_gamers6417]

What kind of knife?

[@preloprints]

Any kind that allows scraping the copper surface. In the video, I'm using an old pallet knife.

[@PineUpAll]

This is the green stuff that's on your dirty eyeglasses

[@LadyofTruth10]

Music is piercing to the ear.

[@thomasdhouailly7493]

Hi
How many time did you let the copper hanging over the vinegar?

[@preloprints]

2 weeks