Copper Patina / Verdigris

Copper patina forms as a green oxidation layer on surfaces exposed to moist air. This contamination builds up unevenly, creating flaky patterns that line up along edges and crevices in humid regions. In laser cleaning applications, technicians run into distinct challenges removing it. The patina clings tightly to the base metal, demanding precise laser settings to avoid damaging the conductive copper underneath. Turns out, the layer absorbs energy variably, which can heat spots and warp the material if not dialed in carefully. Overall, this setup calls for short pulses to clear the patina cleanly without etching the substrate. In practice, addressing these behaviors cuts rework and maintains a solid finish on historical artifacts or wiring.