The Attraction 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.

Buying a ready made product takes away much of the effort involved in speeding up the aging process. Using one of the products available allows one to create a variety of unique patinas, varying in color from brown to blueish-green and vibrant green. This can be done in efficiently in a short amount of time.

The color of the patina depends on the type of metal and the length of time it has been exposed. Bronze often develops a blue-black color while copper usually produces a blue-green color. Various methods can be used to hasten the development of these colors, such as use of heat and vinegar.

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.

Decor accessories treated to look naturally aged add a unique element to any setting. Small candlesticks and lanterns to large garden statues can be treated, lending a sense of history and interest to their surroundings. They provide a wonderful foil for any modern materials.

It is always better to pour a small amount of the product into a disposable container. This means one never has to dip the applicator directly into the bottle. Using gloves or making sure that hands are thoroughly washed after application is also important. As long as the right precautions are taken, there are no risks involved in using these products.

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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