Information courtesy of FX Luminaire's website.
CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED WHEN
HANDLING AND APPLYING PATINA SOLUTION -
WEAR GLOVES AND SAFETY GLASSES.
FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
ON THE CONTAINERS.
Before you get started:
  • Spread newspaper under plant material to
    protect it. It is best to install pathlight fixtures
    first then apply solution.
  • Fixtures should be clean of oil and dirt with
    Windex-type cleaner.
  • Caution should be exercised throughout
    process – wear safety goggles and gloves.
    Place newspaper or drop cloth over plants to
    prevent damage. It is best to install fixtures
    first, then apply solution.
GREEN PATINA FORMULA - to Verde
the copper  

  • 2 Parts: White Vinegar
      
  • 1 1/2 Parts: Non-detergent
    Ammonia
      
  • 1/2 Parts: Non-idiozed salt
BROWN PATINA FORMULA - to darken the
copper (like a penny)

  • Hot Water
      
  • Baking Soda
      
  • Place the hot water in a bottle. Add enough
    baking soda until it will not dissolve anymore
    when shaking the bottle.
Step 1: Clean

Clean fixture with soft cloth and Windex®-type cleaner. This
is to remove oil and dirt.
Step 2: Spray

Spray Windex®-type cleaner on fixture to break surface
tension. Do not wipe off – proceed to next step.
Step 3: Prepare

Combine either the green patina formula or the brown patina
formula ingredients in spray bottle.
Step 4: Apply

Apply patina solution (made in step 3) by spraying onto
fixture, preferably in the early evening on a high-humidity
night.

Allow first coat to set, then reapply solution observing where
you missed applying on the first coat. If there seems to be oil
that is repelling the patina solution, clean it off with the
Windex cleaner.
Step 5: Cover

Allow to sit overnight. In low humidity desert areas, use a
plastic bag to create a tent over fixture (without making
contact with it) to help keep the humidity high during curing. If
there is a low moisture in the air, the solution will dry out
without creating the patina effect.
Step 6: Admire

The resulting patina will be an earth-toned mix of browns and greens. Do not rub off. In time
(and reapplication) this finish will become permanent. The brightness will fade with time. To
reduce green, cut back on the salt content.  The brown patina formula is not as powdery as the
green patina formula and will not need as many re-applications

NOTE: Color and effect is greatly affected by application ambient temperature and humidity.
POLISHING COPPER AND BRASS

There are many commercially available compounds that will brighten copper and brass.
These include Brasso which applies like car wax. To make the shine permanent, you must
seal the metal with a clear coat of weatherproof finish like marine grade polyurethane. If you
live in a strong sun area, any clear finish you put on will get baked off in time.
Caring for Copper Fixtures