Metals like copper and bronze form a protective layer over the years until they look quite different from their original bright color. The green color produced is called a verdigris patina. Today it is possible to create such a finish by using one of the many products on offer. These products have been created to produce the effect of oxidation on metals without needing years for it to develop.
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.
The artists in Ancient Greece used to hang copper plates over pots containing hot vinegar to obtain a green crust. They then used this as pigment for their paintings. In eighteenth century France, copper plates were placed in clay pots containing distilled wine to achieve the same result.
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.
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 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 need heat for application and great care has to be taken as the chemicals used may be flammable. The benefit of applying heat is that the chemicals penetrate deeper. It is necessary to use gloves and other protective items. Toxic fumes can be given off so application should take place in a well ventilated area.
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.
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.
The artists in Ancient Greece used to hang copper plates over pots containing hot vinegar to obtain a green crust. They then used this as pigment for their paintings. In eighteenth century France, copper plates were placed in clay pots containing distilled wine to achieve the same result.
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.
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 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 need heat for application and great care has to be taken as the chemicals used may be flammable. The benefit of applying heat is that the chemicals penetrate deeper. It is necessary to use gloves and other protective items. Toxic fumes can be given off so application should take place in a well ventilated area.
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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