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.
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.
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.
Products that need heat for application are often transparent. As heat is used the metal pores are opened, allowing the chemical to bond more tightly to the surface. More care needs to be taken, however, when working with hot metal and flammable chemicals. Gloves should be used as well as protective glasses. Ventilation is important when using any chemicals as fumes may be toxic.
The popularity of this type of finish with designers, landscapers and homeowners means that many such products are available today from numerous outlets, including online stores. These products allow for a touch of rustic charm to be added to any object without having to wait for years. Countless different objects such as pots, statues, screens, doors and even jewelry can be given interesting textures and colors, adding to their allure.
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.
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.
Products that need heat for application are often transparent. As heat is used the metal pores are opened, allowing the chemical to bond more tightly to the surface. More care needs to be taken, however, when working with hot metal and flammable chemicals. Gloves should be used as well as protective glasses. Ventilation is important when using any chemicals as fumes may be toxic.
The popularity of this type of finish with designers, landscapers and homeowners means that many such products are available today from numerous outlets, including online stores. These products allow for a touch of rustic charm to be added to any object without having to wait for years. Countless different objects such as pots, statues, screens, doors and even jewelry can be given interesting textures and colors, adding to their allure.
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