A protective green pigment is formed on metals like bronze, brass or copper over time. This verdigris patina that forms after years of weathering is very different from the original gleaming copper color. Such a patina can be created today by using products that speed up the natural process. A wide range of such products are available from many local and online stores.
One of the methods used in Medieval times to hasten the process involved burying wooden blocks with copper strips attached in dung for some time. Today, the burying technique is still used. However, nowadays objects are buried in absorbent materials like kitty litter or sawdust once they have been moistened with chemicals. Lovely textures and colors can be created in this way.
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.
It is much easier to create such a finish today. There are many products on the market devoted to this purpose. These products enable a chemical reaction to take place, accelerating oxidation and creating special results. One can never predict exactly what the finished article will look like as various factors affect the outcome and this adds to the appeal.
Some of these chemicals come in the form of a spray and others need to be applied with brushes, rags or sponges. The best part of creating patinas is experimenting and producing different end results. Metals all produce different colored patinas. For example, copper develops a blue-green color while bronze turns a blue-black.
Some products are applied to the metal at room temperature. These products are usually opaque and are either sprayed on or painted on with a brush. It is best to pour a small amount into a disposable container for application, pouring in more as required. Applying too much can spoil the effect, creating chalky areas that flake off.
Other products require heat for application. The advantage of using heat is that it causes the chemical to penetrate more deeply and thus bond more tightly. However, great care has to be taken when using flammable chemicals and heat. Using gloves and protective glasses is necessary and breathing in fumes should be avoided as they could be toxic.
A finish like this has become very popular today. Designers and homeowners use it as a way of introducing touches of aged beauty into home and garden designs. These finishes are not that difficult to apply and many different objects such as sculptures, pots, doors and even jewelry can be given such a treatment to add to their allure.
One of the methods used in Medieval times to hasten the process involved burying wooden blocks with copper strips attached in dung for some time. Today, the burying technique is still used. However, nowadays objects are buried in absorbent materials like kitty litter or sawdust once they have been moistened with chemicals. Lovely textures and colors can be created in this way.
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.
It is much easier to create such a finish today. There are many products on the market devoted to this purpose. These products enable a chemical reaction to take place, accelerating oxidation and creating special results. One can never predict exactly what the finished article will look like as various factors affect the outcome and this adds to the appeal.
Some of these chemicals come in the form of a spray and others need to be applied with brushes, rags or sponges. The best part of creating patinas is experimenting and producing different end results. Metals all produce different colored patinas. For example, copper develops a blue-green color while bronze turns a blue-black.
Some products are applied to the metal at room temperature. These products are usually opaque and are either sprayed on or painted on with a brush. It is best to pour a small amount into a disposable container for application, pouring in more as required. Applying too much can spoil the effect, creating chalky areas that flake off.
Other products require heat for application. The advantage of using heat is that it causes the chemical to penetrate more deeply and thus bond more tightly. However, great care has to be taken when using flammable chemicals and heat. Using gloves and protective glasses is necessary and breathing in fumes should be avoided as they could be toxic.
A finish like this has become very popular today. Designers and homeowners use it as a way of introducing touches of aged beauty into home and garden designs. These finishes are not that difficult to apply and many different objects such as sculptures, pots, doors and even jewelry can be given such a treatment to add to their allure.
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