In the method for stabilizing an artificial patina layer produced on a copper panel, a transparent cover layer consisting of water glass and hydroxycellulose is applied onto the patina layer immediately after it is produced. The cover layer can consist of sodium or potassium water glass and hydroxycellulose, and is applied onto an artificially patinated copper panel by either immersion or spraying. After immersion or spraying, the cover layer is dried. This occurs in an atmosphere with a temperature of approximately 20.degree. C. to 150.degree. C., within a time period of approximately one to one and a half hours.