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.
In the past, the green color of verdigris was used as a paint color by artists. The way they hastened oxidation was by hanging copper objects in a pot of hot vinegar that was sealed. Pigment was made out of the green crust that formed. The use of this pigment continued until more stable ones were developed.
The process of oxidation is an organic one and no two patinas look exactly alike. Variations occur in the chemical reaction according to conditions under which it takes place and the techniques used. This is part of the charm as each object looks different.
At different stages in the aging process, different colors are achieved. Using products available to accelerate aging, one can achieve the brown or green color, or anywhere in between. Copper becomes a lovely blueish-green color with age and bronze more of a blueish-black.
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.
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.
Dipping the applicator directly into the bottle of product is not recommended. It is much better to pour out an amount into another disposable container for use. Other tips are to make sure that the surface is properly cleaned prior to treatment and to wash hands carefully after application.
A verdigris patina is appreciated today for its uniqueness and the way it contrasts beautifully with contemporary materials. All the ways used to create such an effect in the past are no longer necessary. Products are readily available that can eliminate time, making the process an effortless one.
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.
In the past, the green color of verdigris was used as a paint color by artists. The way they hastened oxidation was by hanging copper objects in a pot of hot vinegar that was sealed. Pigment was made out of the green crust that formed. The use of this pigment continued until more stable ones were developed.
The process of oxidation is an organic one and no two patinas look exactly alike. Variations occur in the chemical reaction according to conditions under which it takes place and the techniques used. This is part of the charm as each object looks different.
At different stages in the aging process, different colors are achieved. Using products available to accelerate aging, one can achieve the brown or green color, or anywhere in between. Copper becomes a lovely blueish-green color with age and bronze more of a blueish-black.
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.
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.
Dipping the applicator directly into the bottle of product is not recommended. It is much better to pour out an amount into another disposable container for use. Other tips are to make sure that the surface is properly cleaned prior to treatment and to wash hands carefully after application.
A verdigris patina is appreciated today for its uniqueness and the way it contrasts beautifully with contemporary materials. All the ways used to create such an effect in the past are no longer necessary. Products are readily available that can eliminate time, making the process an effortless one.
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