Friday 24 January 2014

The Uniqueness Of A Verdigris Patina

By Amanda Bean


Metal with a verdigris patina has an aged beauty that is unique. This protective layer of oxidation is formed over metal like copper, brass and bronze through the years as it is exposed to the air. Products have been developed today that can speed up this natural process. These chemical solutions are able to add patinas to surfaces quickly and efficiently.

Metals like copper and brass were used frequently in the past to create a variety of objects, from pipes to garden statues. All these objects show signs of weathering after years that is hard to imitate. The popularity of this aged finish has lead to many faux painting techniques being devised to recreate the look, some of which are fairly successful. However, the true finish can only be obtained by the oxidation of metals.

Faux painting techniques allow individuals to recreate the effect of aging. However, the true finish is hard to imitate and is only produced when metals are oxidized. This chemical process is accelerated in several different ways. Using a source of heat, like a blowtorch, can create an interesting mix of blue and green patinas. Distilled vinegar or acetic acid produces a pretty green color as copper acetate is formed.

The process of oxidation is an organic one and no two patinas look exactly alike. Variations occur in the chemical reaction according to conditions under which it takes place and the techniques used. This is part of the charm as each object looks different.

One of the great attractions of this aged finish is the fact that each surface is unique. The type of metal and the amount of time it has been exposed contribute to the variations. If this look is created by using one of the products on the market, it does not take away from this uniqueness as each object treated will still have variations. It is not like choosing a particular color of paint and applying it.

A variety of techniques are still used today to age metals faster. Fortunately, a technique used in the Middle Ages involving burying copper strips attached to a wooden block in some dung for a couple of weeks is no longer necessary. Today one can simply apply one of the products available at local and online stores to produce the aged effect quickly and efficiently.

Various different applicators may be used to apply these products such as sponges, brushes, rags and sprayers. Trial applications are recommended. One can experiment with many different objects and surfaces. It is often better to use more thin coats than fewer thick coats as one has more control of the effect created.

As with any product using chemicals, care needs to be exercised when using these products. However, as long as instructions are followed carefully, there should be no problem. A tip is to always pour product into a disposable container for use so that one does not have to dip an applicator into the bottle.

A verdigris patina is extremely popular today. Objects are aged to provide a contrast with contemporary materials used, creating an eclectic look and introducing a sense of history and interest. Products are available at local and online stores that can help one create genuine patinas as quickly and efficiently as possible.




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