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FAQ: Patinas
Last Updated: 07/27/2008
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- What is the difference between a Hot Patina and a Cold Patina?
- How do you recommend cleaning the metal prior to applying a patina?
- How do you recommend applying the patina solution?
- What is a bury patina?
- Is there a product that will oxidize Zinc Black?
- What patina do you recommend for a copper gutter or copper roof?
- How much square footage does a gallon of patina solution cover?
"Cold Patina" is a term used for applying patinas without heating the metal. The best room or air temperature for these patinas is between 65° and 75° F. Cold patinas, once applied to the metal, require hours or days to react. Often they involve cycles of applications involving layers of patina. The three basic techniques of applying the patina are to use a brush, sponge, or spray bottle. There are also some very interesting ancient techniques where the metal object is buried in substances soaked with the patina or wrapped in cloth soaked with a patina. A characteristic of most cold patinas is that they are opaque.
"Hot Patina" is a term used when describing the application of a patina onto hot metal. The temperature of the metal during this technique should be between 150° to 250° F. An easy test for the correct temperature is to sprinkle a few drops of distilled water from a spray bottle onto the hot metal surface. If the water sizzles it is the correct temperature. If the water streams off the metal is too cold, if the water balls-up it is too hot. A characteristic of most hot patinas is that they are transparent. There are three ways the metal may be heated: 1. (The most common) Use a propane torch or a torch with a gas/air mix used with an air compressor. 2. Use a hair dryer or a paint peeler. 3. Place the object in the sun. Apply the patina with a brush, spray bottle, or sponge.
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Sandblasting works very well and generally provides an evenly toothed surface. Sand paper, Scotch Brite pads and Steel Wool also work well, but the evenness of the surface up to the user. We offer a Metal Cleaner that removes the old oxidation and brightens up the metal surface easily while removing any finger prints or oils.
NOTE: The smoother the metal surface the shiner the patina will be, mechanical cleaning i.e. sandblasting and such provides a more matte surface but cold patinas will adhere better to them than a bright smooth surface.
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There is no wrong way to apply a patina. Commonly used: Hogs hair brushes, sponges, spray bottles and cheese cloth, etc. Different application tools give different effects, a natural sea sponge or cheese cloth will show the random textures of the material used to apply the patina - especially if lightly applied.
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Using saw dust, cheese cloth, dirt or similar materials these are soaked in the patina solution. Place the sculpture in a suitable container and pack the dampened material tightly around the sculpture. Allow to remain buried for days, weeks or months. This technique builds a very textured surface. To seal, use warm wax very carefully or a spray sealer like Permalac.
- Is there a product that will oxidize Zinc Black?
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We have two Special Green Formulas: Tiffany Green Patina and Mint Green Patina work well outdoors on copper gutters, copper roofs and flashing.
A traditional blue-green patina of Cupric Sulfate and Ammonium Chloride works well also, click here for the recipe.
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It really depends on how may coats you apply and how much solution makes it onto the metal, a sponge or brush will go further than if you apply the patina using a spray bottle. In most cases one can figure 200 sq feet of metal can be treated with a gallon of solution.
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