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Hi all. I have 3 questions regarding cups and balls

1 - I use the Bazar De Magia copper cups. Ive been using them for about 5-6 years and they've developed a nice rich dark patina. I know that when they get to the desired state (which is now) I am supposed to seal them with linseed oil to stop the patinisation process. Can anyone advise me on the correct procedure for this, ie how to apply, do i leave it on for a certain length of time, and is there something in particular i should use to take the oil back off ?

2 - Once the process is complete is there anything I can use to shine them up without it removing the patina ? When I say shine I mean I still want to retain the patina but want them polished, if that makes sense.

3 - I replaced the balls for my cups about 2 years ago with a set of Mike Rogers Mini Baseballs (the 7/8ths of an inch set). I was hoping they would look 'aged' by now, but as I like to have clean hands when handling my props they still look pretty white. Has anyone ever tried artificially ageing these balls ? I have thought of a couple of ways but would rather hear from someone who had actually done this succesfully.

Any help is greatly appreciated

jim

Bumpety bump

Anyone

I've searched on the interwebby, but Its draw a blank. I'm clueless on this one, sorry.

Thanks anyway Spooney, It was kind of you to take the time to have a look

jim

Hi Jim;

I found a couple of links - I should say I tried neither, but it might give you some ideas.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article ... 47,00.html

http://www.everbritecoatings.com/how_to ... _metal.htm

Cheers
LP.

Thanks LP . Those are some interesting uses for magicians wax. Ive never heard of using it for stopping patinisation before, i'll see if I can find more on this.

jim

Just on a side note, I personally would avoid artificially aging the balls. It is just too easy too mess up.

spooneythegoon wrote:Just on a side note, I personally would avoid artificially aging the balls. It is just too easy too mess up.

I agree, thats why I was hoping to hear from someone who had actualy done it successfully. Im wanting my cups and balls to look 'old' as I personally like this look and think it adds some character to the props. The cups look exactly as Id like but the balls still look a but too new

jim

Im wanting my cups and balls to look 'old'

Heh, take them out on the street for a couple of years!

My street cups look battered to heck, and my smart cups are still in good nick

Ian

IanKendall wrote:my smart cups are still in good nick

I think ive seen these ones on a clip of your performance. Maybe at the Genii forum ? Great routine

jim

jim ferguson wrote:

spooneythegoon wrote:Just on a side note, I personally would avoid artificially aging the balls. It is just too easy too mess up.

I agree, thats why I was hoping to hear from someone who had actualy done it successfully. Im wanting my cups and balls to look 'old' as I personally like this look and think it adds some character to the props. The cups look exactly as Id like but the balls still look a but too new

jim

I wouldn't try this without some one who knows what they are doing agreeing, but leaving them in a warm, damp place for a week or two will only have two different outcomes-mold or old, depending on how damp it is, and how you pack them. Or maybe the oven... but I just thought of these of these off the top of my head, so don't go trying it without a second opinion, or at least use some cheap balls you don't care about first, whatever you do! Whether or not these methods work depends on the material of the balls...

spooneythegoon wrote: Whether or not these methods work depends on the material of the balls...

The balls are white leather round a rubber ball core. At the time of ordering I couldnt find a UK supplier, so had to order them direct from Michael Ammar. It wasnt cheap, hence my reluctance to try any 'aging' without hearing from someone who's tried it first

jim

If you tried a cricket ball or something similar first, you should be able to figure out what to do. I think an oven or warm moist place may work, but I am not sure, so if you do do that, don't use your expensive balls.