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.
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.
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.
It is much easier to create such a finish today. There are many products on the market devoted to this purpose. These products enable a chemical reaction to take place, accelerating oxidation and creating special results. One can never predict exactly what the finished article will look like as various factors affect the outcome and this adds to the appeal.
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 products are applied to the metal at room temperature. These products are usually opaque and are either sprayed on or painted on with a brush. It is best to pour a small amount into a disposable container for application, pouring in more as required. Applying too much can spoil the effect, creating chalky areas that 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.
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.
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.
It is much easier to create such a finish today. There are many products on the market devoted to this purpose. These products enable a chemical reaction to take place, accelerating oxidation and creating special results. One can never predict exactly what the finished article will look like as various factors affect the outcome and this adds to the appeal.
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 products are applied to the metal at room temperature. These products are usually opaque and are either sprayed on or painted on with a brush. It is best to pour a small amount into a disposable container for application, pouring in more as required. Applying too much can spoil the effect, creating chalky areas that 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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment