After soldering, cleaning and drying your piece is essential to good patina results. Ensure the panel is completely dry, not just the solder lines. Many people recommend metal wools or brushes, but the information from industry is to use mild non-metallic materials to prepare the solder lines for patination.
Green scrubbies, or more environmentally friendly plastic free scrubbers are a good choice. A short bristled plastic free brush that is not really stiff will work well too.
The cleaning solution should not be anything more abrasive than that used on fibreglass bath fittings. If this needs to be used to be sure of clean solder, the panel must be rinsed again with water that has as few chemicals and minerals as possible.
Omitting this step increases the chances of developing whitish blotches later on the solder lines. However, including this step makes a better base for applying the patina, if you are using any.
Revised January 2026
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