Copper, bronze and brass form a green protective outer layer over time. This verdigris patina has a completely different look to the original color but it is one that is extremely popular today. It seems to carry with it a sense of history and the romance of bygone eras. Today, one does not have to wait for the natural process to occur over years. It can be hastened by applying one of the many products sold today for this purpose at various stores.
One of the methods used in Medieval times to hasten the process involved burying wooden blocks with copper strips attached in dung for some time. Today, the burying technique is still used. However, nowadays objects are buried in absorbent materials like kitty litter or sawdust once they have been moistened with chemicals. Lovely textures and colors can be created in this way.
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.
Achieving this beautiful effect is not difficult today with the many products on offer. These products are used to create a chemical reaction resulting in the forming of a unique finish without having to wait for years for it to develop. Results of this process can vary considerably, depending upon such factors as the metal used, what chemical is applied and how many layers are added. A blue-green and a blue-black are just two of the colors that can be achieved.
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 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.
The popularity of this type of finish with designers, landscapers and homeowners means that many such products are available today from numerous outlets, including online stores. These products allow for a touch of rustic charm to be added to any object without having to wait for years. Countless different objects such as pots, statues, screens, doors and even jewelry can be given interesting textures and colors, adding to their allure.
One of the methods used in Medieval times to hasten the process involved burying wooden blocks with copper strips attached in dung for some time. Today, the burying technique is still used. However, nowadays objects are buried in absorbent materials like kitty litter or sawdust once they have been moistened with chemicals. Lovely textures and colors can be created in this way.
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.
Achieving this beautiful effect is not difficult today with the many products on offer. These products are used to create a chemical reaction resulting in the forming of a unique finish without having to wait for years for it to develop. Results of this process can vary considerably, depending upon such factors as the metal used, what chemical is applied and how many layers are added. A blue-green and a blue-black are just two of the colors that can be achieved.
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 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.
The popularity of this type of finish with designers, landscapers and homeowners means that many such products are available today from numerous outlets, including online stores. These products allow for a touch of rustic charm to be added to any object without having to wait for years. Countless different objects such as pots, statues, screens, doors and even jewelry can be given interesting textures and colors, adding to their allure.
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