Sunday 19 January 2014

The Uniqueness Of A Verdigris Patina

By Amanda Bean


Metals such as copper, bronze and brass were used extensively in the past and today wear a wonderful verdigris patina due to their exposure to air and water over time. This finish has become highly desirable due to its uniqueness and has lead to the manufacture of products that are used to create this aged finish effectively and speedily.

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.

Artists in the past appreciated verdigris for its vibrant green color. One method used to hasten the results of oxidation in early days was to hang copper plates in a sealed pot of hot vinegar until a green crust formed. This crust was then scraped off and used to make pigment for painting. It eventually fell out of use as more stable pigments became available.

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.

One of the great attractions of this aged finish is the fact that each surface is unique. The type of metal and the amount of time it has been exposed contribute to the variations. If this look is created by using one of the products on the market, it does not take away from this uniqueness as each object treated will still have variations. It is not like choosing a particular color of paint and applying it.

Today there are many products that can speed up the process of creating genuine patinas. These are available at both local and online stores. They are easy to apply and clear instructions are given on usage. The surface has to be thoroughly cleaned before applying any of these products as even grease from fingers can affect the result.

Decor accessories treated to look naturally aged add a unique element to any setting. Small candlesticks and lanterns to large garden statues can be treated, lending a sense of history and interest to their surroundings. They provide a wonderful foil for any modern materials.

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 a flattering finish for many objects, from candlesticks to garden statues. It allows one to add another element to decor accessories and fittings. The fact that products are available to create this effect without having to wait for years, makes it even more appealing.




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