Thursday, 16 January 2014

The Aged Beauty 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.

Artists long ago made use of the vibrant green of verdigris to make pigment for their paintings. Copper plates were placed in a pot of hot vinegar and the green crust that formed was scraped off for making of pigment. However, this pigment was unstable and it fell out of use when more stable pigments were developed.

Artists in the past appreciated verdigris for its vibrant green color. One method used to hasten the results of oxidation in early days was to hang copper plates in a sealed pot of hot vinegar until a green crust formed. This crust was then scraped off and used to make pigment for painting. It eventually fell out of use as more stable pigments became available.

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.

Today there are many products that can speed up the process of creating genuine patinas. These are available at both local and online stores. They are easy to apply and clear instructions are given on usage. The surface has to be thoroughly cleaned before applying any of these products as even grease from fingers can affect the result.

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 a flattering finish for many objects, from candlesticks to garden statues. It allows one to add another element to decor accessories and fittings. The fact that products are available to create this effect without having to wait for years, makes it even more appealing.




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