Verdigris Patina For Exterior And Interior Projects by Jaclyn Hurley The beautiful blues and greens of the verdigris patina found on various metals left out in the elements have become quite popular for use in building design, landscaping and home decorating. While the naturally occurring process may take some time, there are various ways to speed things up. However, some interior design projects may be better suited for a faux finish that mimics this patina. Verdigris refers to the color and texture that often forms on the surface of metals such as copper, brass or bronze. Its greenish color has rust-colored spots or blue flecks throughout. The Statue of Liberty is probably the most well-known example of this patina. Many visitors to the statue are surprised that its vivid colors have occurred through a natural process and that it has not been painted. Exposure to air or seawater is most often the cause of this occurrence. It is produced through chemical processes such as oxidation. It sometimes takes years for the color to develop, but this largely depends on if the area is urban or industrial as well as which elements are naturally occurring. The beautiful greens, blues and rust colors of this patina are quite popular with building designers, landscapers and interior decorators. While it may take some time to develop the patina by leaving metals exposed to the elements, building designers and landscapers typically account for this process in their planning. However, interior decorators often work with materials and furnishings that wouldn't hold up to outdoor elements for an extended period of time. Other methods that either speed up or mimic the process may be more suitable for these applications. As the trend of using metals in the home continues to grow, interior decorators are increasingly incorporating elements with a verdigris finish into their design plans. The bright colors offer a unique twist to the rustic flare many homeowners desire. For pieces and areas that would not tolerate exposure to the weather, an artificial process or faux finish may be used. There are many variations on using an artificial process to create a verdigris finish. However, most involve simple household ingredients, such as dish soap, white vinegar and salt. This type of treatment is best for small items that would be used to decorate the home, such as planters, picture frames or lamp bases. To achieve a verdigris finish on larger areas or on elements that are not made from metal, it may be best to apply a faux finish. Home improvement stores and craft centers often carry kits that contain everything needed to create a faux finish of this type, but it can easily be achieved using various shades of blue, green and metallic paints. A faux finish would be ideal for headboards, kitchen cabinets or even an accent wall. Using various types of metals in home decorating is a growing design trend. Using bright verdigris colors in interior and exterior projects is a great way to add some punch to the popular rustic look. The best method for creating this finish would depend on how it is being used and the desired effect. If you are looking for information about a verdigris patina, visit our website online here today. You can see details at http://ift.tt/1akOgLm now.
