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.
Faux painting techniques allow individuals to recreate the effect of aging. However, the true finish is hard to imitate and is only produced when metals are oxidized. This chemical process is accelerated in several different ways. Using a source of heat, like a blowtorch, can create an interesting mix of blue and green patinas. Distilled vinegar or acetic acid produces a pretty green color as copper acetate is formed.
One of the attractions of a finish like this is that no two objects turn out exactly the same. The finish varies depending on different factors such as the type of metal and the techniques used to accelerate aging. The variations of tone and color provide a great foil to contemporary materials and give respect to days gone by.
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.
The required effect may need to be built up gradually, using several thin coats so as to exercise more control. Alternatively, a few thick coats can be used. One can experiment with different techniques and on different surfaces to see what interesting results can be obtained.
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 extremely popular today. Objects are aged to provide a contrast with contemporary materials used, creating an eclectic look and introducing a sense of history and interest. Products are available at local and online stores that can help one create genuine patinas as quickly and efficiently as possible.
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.
Faux painting techniques allow individuals to recreate the effect of aging. However, the true finish is hard to imitate and is only produced when metals are oxidized. This chemical process is accelerated in several different ways. Using a source of heat, like a blowtorch, can create an interesting mix of blue and green patinas. Distilled vinegar or acetic acid produces a pretty green color as copper acetate is formed.
One of the attractions of a finish like this is that no two objects turn out exactly the same. The finish varies depending on different factors such as the type of metal and the techniques used to accelerate aging. The variations of tone and color provide a great foil to contemporary materials and give respect to days gone by.
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.
The required effect may need to be built up gradually, using several thin coats so as to exercise more control. Alternatively, a few thick coats can be used. One can experiment with different techniques and on different surfaces to see what interesting results can be obtained.
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 extremely popular today. Objects are aged to provide a contrast with contemporary materials used, creating an eclectic look and introducing a sense of history and interest. Products are available at local and online stores that can help one create genuine patinas as quickly and efficiently as possible.
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