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lundi 19 mai 2014

The Unique Appeal Of A Verdigris Patina

By Minnie Whitley


Copper, bronze and brass form a green protective outer layer over time. This verdigris patina has a completely different look to the original color but it is one that is extremely popular today. It seems to carry with it a sense of history and the romance of bygone eras. Today, one does not have to wait for the natural process to occur over years. It can be hastened by applying one of the many products sold today for this purpose at various stores.

In the past many different methods were used to hasten the process of oxidization. One of these methods was to bury copper strips fastened to a wooden board in some dung. Today, this method of burying is still used by some people to produce rich colors and textures. However, instead of using dung, today they use absorbent materials such as kitty litter or sawdust. Chemicals are used to dampen the materials in which the objects are buried.

There were many other methods used in the past to hasten the oxidation process. Some involved placing copper plates in clay pots filled with distilled wine. Another method was to heat vinegar and hang the copper plates over the pot. The green crust formed was used by artists as pigment. All these processes still involved having to wait some time for a result.

Achieving this beautiful effect is not difficult today with the many products on offer. These products are used to create a chemical reaction resulting in the forming of a unique finish without having to wait for years for it to develop. Results of this process can vary considerably, depending upon such factors as the metal used, what chemical is applied and how many layers are added. A blue-green and a blue-black are just two of the colors that can be achieved.

Applying these products is not difficult but some experimentation may be required to produce the result you are looking for. Some of the factors affecting the results are the chemicals used and the number of layers applied. The type of metal used also affects the color produced. A bluish green is common with copper and a bluish black with bronze.

Some patinas are applied cold without any heat. These products are usually opaque and are applied in layers onto room temperature metals. Layers can be applied until one is happy with the resulting color. A small amount of the chemical can be decanted into a disposable container to avoid dipping the brush into the product container. Applying too much product can cause patinas to build up too fast making thick chalky areas that will 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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