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.
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.
A variety of techniques are still used today to age metals faster. Fortunately, a technique used in the Middle Ages involving burying copper strips attached to a wooden block in some dung for a couple of weeks is no longer necessary. Today one can simply apply one of the products available at local and online stores to produce the aged effect quickly and efficiently.
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.
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.
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.
A variety of techniques are still used today to age metals faster. Fortunately, a technique used in the Middle Ages involving burying copper strips attached to a wooden block in some dung for a couple of weeks is no longer necessary. Today one can simply apply one of the products available at local and online stores to produce the aged effect quickly and efficiently.
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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