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.
There were many other methods used in the past to hasten the oxidation process. Some involved placing copper plates in clay pots filled with distilled wine. Another method was to heat vinegar and hang the copper plates over the pot. The green crust formed was used by artists as pigment. All these processes still involved having to wait some time for a 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.
Application must be done with care as is always the case when working with chemicals. Experimentation is usually part of the process and it is often exciting to see what results can be produced. As the process has so many variables, the end product is quite unique and this is why it is so appealing.
Some products can be applied without any heat being used. The metal is coated a layer at a time until the required color is achieved. It is applied with a brush or a rag and some products can be sprayed on. If excess product is applied, it can become thick and chalky, flaking off easily. A tip is to use a small amount at a time, applying it from a disposable container.
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.
There were many other methods used in the past to hasten the oxidation process. Some involved placing copper plates in clay pots filled with distilled wine. Another method was to heat vinegar and hang the copper plates over the pot. The green crust formed was used by artists as pigment. All these processes still involved having to wait some time for a 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.
Application must be done with care as is always the case when working with chemicals. Experimentation is usually part of the process and it is often exciting to see what results can be produced. As the process has so many variables, the end product is quite unique and this is why it is so appealing.
Some products can be applied without any heat being used. The metal is coated a layer at a time until the required color is achieved. It is applied with a brush or a rag and some products can be sprayed on. If excess product is applied, it can become thick and chalky, flaking off easily. A tip is to use a small amount at a time, applying it from a disposable container.
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.
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Shoppers looking for verdigris patina should turn to the internet right now. Log on to http://www.dimestoreemporium.com and see the full list of our products on display today!
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