Patination is the deliberate creation of an aged, worn appearance on a surface, so that it looks as though it has been in place for a long time. Where patina forms by itself, patination is an applied treatment — chemical, painted or mechanical.
Methods
- Chemical patination of metal — copper and bronze are treated with sulphur- or ammonium-based solutions, producing in hours a brown to green layer that would otherwise take decades. This is demanding work with aggressive chemicals and belongs with a specialist.
- Painted patination — a coloured glaze or scumble is laid over a base colour and partly wiped back, so the colour stays in the mouldings and corners. That gives cornices, ornament and furniture depth.
- Lime and plaster patination — with limewash and stucco a cloudy, uneven appearance is built up using sponges, cloths or a second thin coat.
- Mechanical distressing — brushing, sanding, denting and locally removing paint; common on timber floors, doors and furniture.
- Silvering timber — a greying stain achieves the tone untreated timber reaches by itself after years outdoors.
Applications
Patination is used in:
- Restoration and piecing-in — a newly inserted component otherwise stands out against old work. Patination brings the repair into line in colour and sheen.
- Ornament and mouldings — an even, glossy coat flattens profiles; a patinated finish lets the relief read again.
- Interior metalwork — ironmongery, light fittings, balustrades.
- New build with a historic character
Points to watch
- Work with samples — patination is not exactly reproducible. Always make a sample on the same material and judge it in the daylight of the final setting.
- Adhesion and build-up — the product must suit the coat beneath it. An oil-based glaze over a fresh water-based primer is a classic cause of failed work. Stay within one manufacturer’s system.
- Protection — a patinated paint finish is vulnerable. Outdoors and on surfaces people touch, finish with a matt clear protective coat.
- Heritage ethics — on listed buildings an intervention should be identifiable and reversible. Discuss artificial ageing of new work with the conservation officer before starting.
- Safety — chemical patinating agents can be corrosive or toxic. Work with gloves, eye protection and proper ventilation, and dispose of residues as hazardous waste.
Related terms
- Patina
- Glaze
- Piecing-in
- Restoration
- Decorating
- Plasterwork
Want to learn more about construction terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.