Background information
Keycap Kevin: a spicy patina for the knob on my keyboard
by Kevin Hofer
Keycap Kevin: I finally managed to get decent heat patina
9.6.2024
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
I like aged metal. I’ve already had parts of my keyboards artificially weathered a few times. However, I haven’t succeeded with heat – yet.
Even cheaper custom keyboards are increasingly offering parts made of brass or copper. The beauty of these materials lies in their surfaces. If they aren’t treated, signs of ageing appear over time – a so-called patina develops. This can also be brought about artificially. So, using my brand new Neo70 as a guinea pig, I age the copper weight on the underside of the keyboard with my Bunsen burner.
Let it shine
Haven’t we already seen a patina using Bunsen burners in Keycap Kevin? Yep, on my first attempt I «treated» a rotary knob with heat. However, the desired effect with blue-purple tones didn’t materialise. That rotary knob was made of brass. The weight on my Neo70, which I’m ageing now, is made of copper.
Source: Kevin Hofer
As last time, the first thing I do is remove the protective layer. Quick, to the sandblasting booth.
Source: Kevin Hofer
After removing the protective layer, I put on my gloves and grab the weight with a pair of pliers – I don’t want to burn myself. I point the blue flame of my Bunsen burner at the surface and move it evenly over the metal.
Source: Kevin Hofer
After about half a minute, I notice the first changes to the surface. I cover certain areas more than others, allowing me to create a pattern of different colours. Among them, my desired blue-purple tones.
After about two minutes, I’m satisfied. I let the metal cool down, apply a coat of transparent acrylic varnish so that the discolouration doesn’t change any further, and let it dry. A few hours later, the disappointment sets in. Either the acrylic paint darkened the surface or the effect had set in on its own. Most of the patterns I created are no longer recognisable.
Source: Kevin Hofer
Attempt number two: finally, satisfaction
So, time to start from the beginning. Instead of sandblasting, I remove the paint and the oxide layer with sandpaper this time. On the one hand, this is faster. On the other hand, the fine furrows that the sandpaper leaves on the surface should give way to even more effects. In my failed attempt, the pliers left similar marks. I liked them.
I approach it the same way and don't stay too long in certain places with the flame. As soon as a colour suits me, I move the flame. This ensures that the effect isn’t too dark. This time, I also don’t put any varnish on. I like the idea of the weight changing even more over time due to ageing, and I’m satisfied with the result of my second attempt
Source: Kevin Hofer
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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