Metals like copper and bronze form a protective layer over the years until they look quite different from their original bright color. The green color produced is called a verdigris patina. Today it is possible to create such a finish by using one of the many products on offer. These products have been created to produce the effect of oxidation on metals without needing years for it to develop.
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.
The artists in Ancient Greece used to hang copper plates over pots containing hot vinegar to obtain a green crust. They then used this as pigment for their paintings. In eighteenth century France, copper plates were placed in clay pots containing distilled wine to achieve the same result.
It is much easier to create such a finish today. There are many products on the market devoted to this purpose. These products enable a chemical reaction to take place, accelerating oxidation and creating special results. One can never predict exactly what the finished article will look like as various factors affect the outcome and this adds to the appeal.
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 patinas are applied cold without any heat. These products are usually opaque and are applied in layers onto room temperature metals. Layers can be applied until one is happy with the resulting color. A small amount of the chemical can be decanted into a disposable container to avoid dipping the brush into the product container. Applying too much product can cause patinas to build up too fast making thick chalky areas that will flake off.
Other products need heat for application and great care has to be taken as the chemicals used may be flammable. The benefit of applying heat is that the chemicals penetrate deeper. It is necessary to use gloves and other protective items. Toxic fumes can be given off so application should take place in a well ventilated area.
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.
The artists in Ancient Greece used to hang copper plates over pots containing hot vinegar to obtain a green crust. They then used this as pigment for their paintings. In eighteenth century France, copper plates were placed in clay pots containing distilled wine to achieve the same result.
It is much easier to create such a finish today. There are many products on the market devoted to this purpose. These products enable a chemical reaction to take place, accelerating oxidation and creating special results. One can never predict exactly what the finished article will look like as various factors affect the outcome and this adds to the appeal.
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 patinas are applied cold without any heat. These products are usually opaque and are applied in layers onto room temperature metals. Layers can be applied until one is happy with the resulting color. A small amount of the chemical can be decanted into a disposable container to avoid dipping the brush into the product container. Applying too much product can cause patinas to build up too fast making thick chalky areas that will flake off.
Other products need heat for application and great care has to be taken as the chemicals used may be flammable. The benefit of applying heat is that the chemicals penetrate deeper. It is necessary to use gloves and other protective items. Toxic fumes can be given off so application should take place in a well ventilated area.
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.
About the Author:
You can visit www.dimestoreemporium.com for more helpful information about The Beauty Of A Verdigris Patina.
No comments:
Post a Comment