The Unique Appeal Of A Verdigris Patina by Minnie Whitley 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. Applying these products is not difficult but some experimentation may be required to produce the result you are looking for. Some of the factors affecting the results are the chemicals used and the number of layers applied. The type of metal used also affects the color produced. A bluish green is common with copper and a bluish black with bronze. 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. Other products require heat for application. The advantage of using heat is that it causes the chemical to penetrate more deeply and thus bond more tightly. However, great care has to be taken when using flammable chemicals and heat. Using gloves and protective glasses is necessary and breathing in fumes should be avoided as they could be toxic. This type of finish has become increasingly popular with homeowners as well as landscapers and designers. Statues, pots, doors, screens and many more items can be transformed, infusing interesting color and a touch of aged beauty into designs. They add the allure of something old and worn that has a history or tells a story. Shoppers looking for verdigris patina should turn to the internet right now. Log on to http://ift.tt/1akOgLm and see the full list of our products on display today!
