Metals like copper and bronze form a protective layer over the years until they look quite different from their original bright color. The green color produced is called a verdigris patina. Today it is possible to create such a finish by using one of the many products on offer. These products have been created to produce the effect of oxidation on metals without needing years for it to develop.
Burying is one of the oldest methods of creating patinas and some people still use variations of this method today. A technique used in the Middle Ages to speed up the oxidization process was to bury copper strips fastened to a wooden block in some dung for a few weeks. Objects buried in containers filled with an absorbent material like sawdust or kitty litter dampened with chemicals, can result in rich colors and textures.
Another method used in the past was to heat vinegar in pots over which copper plates had been suspended. Distilled wine in clay pots was also used to create this desirable green crust on copper plates. In Ancient Greece this green pigment was used by artists until more stable pigments were developed.
Today one does not have to go to such extremes. A beautiful aged finish can be achieved fairly easily and without taking much time by using one of the many products available. A finish like this involves a chemical reaction and results can vary according to factors such as the techniques used and conditions in which the chemical is applied. The uniqueness of the end product is one of the most appealing factors.
Application must be done with care as is always the case when working with chemicals. Experimentation is usually part of the process and it is often exciting to see what results can be produced. As the process has so many variables, the end product is quite unique and this is why it is so appealing.
Some products can be applied without any heat being used. The metal is coated a layer at a time until the required color is achieved. It is applied with a brush or a rag and some products can be sprayed on. If excess product is applied, it can become thick and chalky, flaking off easily. A tip is to use a small amount at a time, applying it from a disposable container.
Other products need heat for application and great care has to be taken as the chemicals used may be flammable. The benefit of applying heat is that the chemicals penetrate deeper. It is necessary to use gloves and other protective items. Toxic fumes can be given off so application should take place in a well ventilated area.
This type of finish has become increasingly popular with homeowners as well as landscapers and designers. Statues, pots, doors, screens and many more items can be transformed, infusing interesting color and a touch of aged beauty into designs. They add the allure of something old and worn that has a history or tells a story.
Burying is one of the oldest methods of creating patinas and some people still use variations of this method today. A technique used in the Middle Ages to speed up the oxidization process was to bury copper strips fastened to a wooden block in some dung for a few weeks. Objects buried in containers filled with an absorbent material like sawdust or kitty litter dampened with chemicals, can result in rich colors and textures.
Another method used in the past was to heat vinegar in pots over which copper plates had been suspended. Distilled wine in clay pots was also used to create this desirable green crust on copper plates. In Ancient Greece this green pigment was used by artists until more stable pigments were developed.
Today one does not have to go to such extremes. A beautiful aged finish can be achieved fairly easily and without taking much time by using one of the many products available. A finish like this involves a chemical reaction and results can vary according to factors such as the techniques used and conditions in which the chemical is applied. The uniqueness of the end product is one of the most appealing factors.
Application must be done with care as is always the case when working with chemicals. Experimentation is usually part of the process and it is often exciting to see what results can be produced. As the process has so many variables, the end product is quite unique and this is why it is so appealing.
Some products can be applied without any heat being used. The metal is coated a layer at a time until the required color is achieved. It is applied with a brush or a rag and some products can be sprayed on. If excess product is applied, it can become thick and chalky, flaking off easily. A tip is to use a small amount at a time, applying it from a disposable container.
Other products need heat for application and great care has to be taken as the chemicals used may be flammable. The benefit of applying heat is that the chemicals penetrate deeper. It is necessary to use gloves and other protective items. Toxic fumes can be given off so application should take place in a well ventilated area.
This type of finish has become increasingly popular with homeowners as well as landscapers and designers. Statues, pots, doors, screens and many more items can be transformed, infusing interesting color and a touch of aged beauty into designs. They add the allure of something old and worn that has a history or tells a story.
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