Q.: Does bronze insect screen always turn green?

A.: Not Always. It depends on the atmosphere and weather conditions. Bronze, like any copper alloy, will age and tarnish. In Upstate New York, bronze screening will usually darken gradually over a period of years, eventually turning black. In a more corrosive environment like the oceanfront in Cape May, New Jersey, the salty, moist sea air will turn bronze screen green rapidly, within a few months. Protection from porch roofs or nearby buildings will slow this progression. It's a location/environment specific process.

Q.: What kind of mesh should I use to build a birdcage or aviary?

A.: Always use stainless steel for birds. A welded mesh with 1/2" openings will work best. Your birds can move around freely without getting claws or feathers stuck between the wires, as they might with woven mesh. Stainless Steel also makes a more sanitary environment. Avoid using galvanized "hardware cloth" for birdcages or feeders. If birds ingest enough of the galvanizing when pecking at the mesh, they could harm their livers.

Q.: What metal do you advise for a kitchen countertop?

A.: Stainless Steel, Hands Down! Thin gauge 304 "food grade" stainless steel sheeting will provide a safe, hard and durable surface for food preparation. Avoid galvanized sheet metal -- the galvanizing can contaminate food and make you ill. Consider checking with the local health bureau for code guidelines, especially if you're opening or renovating a restaurant.

Q.: How do you get a green patina on copper?

A.: There are a few options:

• 1. The Slow, Natural Way: Given enough time outdoors, copper will darken and eventually turn green in a few months or years, depending on the weather and local environmental conditions.
• 2. The Fast Way: Mix up a solution of regular household ammonia and salt in a plastic spray bottle. The more salt, the harsher the reaction. Spray your solution on the copper gingerly and watch how it reacts. You may want repeated coats or to let it dry between coats, depending on the mixture and your desired outcome. Rinse with water, and dry, to stop the reaction. Be safe! Do this in a well-ventilated area (preferably outside); wear old clothes, rubber gloves and eye protection.
  
  You may achieve a similar outcome using "Liver of Sulfur".
• The Fun Way: Pee on it. No kidding. Urine contains lots of ammonia and salt. This naturally corrosive liquid will raise havoc with copper and turn it green quickly. Put urine in a spray bottle. Use this method to get some good giggles, stories and shock appeal out of your friends and family, but please be discreet and do this one in the privacy of your own home -- no need to scare the neighbors or have to explain what you're doing to the police!
  
  *Note: This is by no means an exact science. You will have to do some experimenting on a few samples first.
• Future Fun: In addition to green, you can turn copper brown, black, blue, red or get a "rainbow" effect. More later.

Q.: I need to replace the cooking surface on my backyard BBQ grill. What should I use?

A.: This is serious stuff. Use a stainless steel mesh, made with 1/8" diameter wire. This material provides a safe cooking surface and won't rust. Never use steel "expanded metal", typically seen as security over windows and doors, for your grill. This diamond pattern steel has a high lead content -- it's great for keeping burglars out of your garage, but, unless it's stainless steel, not for cooking. Don't use galvanized mesh either -- you could get sick. Lead-free "Plain Steel" mesh works fine, but will rust.

Rule of thumb: When at a cookout, check the grill. If it's steel "expanded metal" or galvanized mesh, Don't Eat The Chicken!

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