Tools and Supplies- Wednesday!

There is NO Surprise in knowing how much I love patina!

From Wikipedia:
"Patina is a chemical compound formed on the surface of metal. Patinas form on metal from exposure to the elements. They are often deliberately added by artists and metalworkers. Patinas may be used to 'antique' objects, as a part of the design or decoration of art and furniture.

Patinas are restricted to exposed surfaces and can flake off. One reason bronze is so highly valued in statuary is that its patina protects it against further corrosion. This natural patina seldom shows a tendency to flake. Brass is also resistant to corrosion, but it is, in the long run, not as attractive since local pitting shows against the shiny background.

Figuratively, patina can refer to any fading, darkening or other signs of age, which are felt to be natural and/or unavoidable.

The chemical process by which a patina forms is called patination, and a work of art coated by a patina is said to be patinated.

One example of a patina is a green surface texture created by slow chemical alteration of copper, producing a basic carbonate. It can form on pure copper objects as well as alloys which contain copper, such as bronze or brass.

A wide range of chemicals, both household and commercial, can give a variety of patinas. They are often used by artists as surface embellishments either for color, texture, or both. Patination composition varies with the reacted elements and these will determine the color of the patina. Exposure to chlorides leads to green, while sulfur compounds (such as "liver of sulfur") tend to brown. For artworks patination is deliberately accellerated by heat. Colors range from matte sandstone yellow to deep blues, reds and various blacks, sometimes with the surface sheen enhanced by waxing for artwork displayed indoors.

Patina is also found on slip rings and commutators. This type of patina is formed by corrosion, what elements the air might hold, residue from the wear of the carbon brush and moisture; thus, the patina need special conditions to work as intended.

Patinas can also be found in woks, which form when properly seasoned. The patina on a wok is a dark coating of oils that have been burned onto it to prevent food sticking and to enhance the flavor of the foods cooked in it. Steaming foods or using soap on a wok could damage the patina and possibly allow the wok to rust.

In terms of antiques, "Patina is everything that happens to an object over the course of time. The nick in the leg of a table, a scratch on a table top, the loss of moisture in the paint, the crackling of a finish or a glaze in ceramics, the gentle wear patterns on the edge of a plate. All these things add up to create a softer look, subtle color changes, a character. Patina is built from all the effects, natural and man-made, that create a true antique." - Israel Sack"

Today- I want to share with you several things I use to Patina. I have used a lot of products as well as experimenting with my own. All of them are really good. It really comes down to preference and price. My Three products today are the following 3 companies who carry patina solutions:

JAX Website

MODERN OPTIONS Website

MODERN MASTERS Website

Modern Masters Metal Effects:
"Modern Masters® combined the ancient art of patinization with modern-day paint technology to create Metal Effects® Decorative Painting System. This complete finishing system is designed to create a variety of beautiful oxidized metal finishes on any paintable surface."

FIRST, I use this Metal paint on my Wooden shrines to make them appear to have aged like a metal surface:

Sometimes I use the Metal RUST or BRONZE paint and other times I use the PALE GOLD.

I will apply these onto the wood and then I will use a Patina Solution to create the patina effect.
I love the Green patina and the Blue patina equally! After my metal paint has dried on the surface, I then add the blue or green patina to the surface and all all the beautiful color patina to appear.

WHEN using this on metal- I don't need to use metal paint because the surface is metal. I just like to use the Patina Green or Blue on Brass and Copper.

Next is Liver of Sulfur! It is SMELLY- like rotten eggs- thus the sulfur. BUT it is fun to use to darken metal! I use the small greenish yellow little bombs and drop one or two into warm water. I then apply this to my metal and allow it to sit and darken.

Variations: Add patina green or blue to your metal first then apply Liver of Sulfur and allow to sit- it turns very beautiful dark greens and blues! (See above photo!)

What? Want to make your OWN Liver of Sulfur?

First, hard boil a few eggs. Remove the egg whites and keep the yolks. Place the yolk a plastic bag along with your metal for at least 24 hours. The sulphur from the egg will cause silver jewelry to darken.

What is Pickling?
"Pickle is an acidic solution used for cleaning metal components while soldering. It can come in liquid or power form and often needs to be diluted with water. It’s important that metal is clean before it is soldered. Pickle solutions remove oxidation and flux from metals such as silver, gold, and copper. Sparex, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid are all used for pickling solution.

Once you select your pickle solution, you’ll need a safe pot to keep it in. Remember, we are talking about something that is acidic. You also need to keep the solution warm. Therefore a few good choices for a pickle pot include a small crock pot or a coffee pot on top of a hot plate. Of course, once you decide to use equipment that you normally would eat from for your pickling needs, you will never again use these for food preparation. A good place to pick up old crock pots and coffee pots is at thrift stores and garage sales.

When you have your pickle and pot to keep it in, you will also need a pair of copper tongs for dipping the metal in and taking it out of the pickle. Copper will not contaminate the pickling solution, and it is crucial that you keep your pickle clean. If not it can contaminate your metal and thus cause problems when you solder.

Be careful when adding metal to the pickle pot. Don’t just drop it in or the pickle can splash up at you. It’s a good idea to wear gloves, goggles, and an apron to protect yourself, and gently set the metal inside the pot rather than drop it in.

To discard old pickling solution, add baking soda to it and let it bubble. When the bubbling slows down, it is okay to flush it down most drains."

I went to the Local Thrift store and bought an old crock pot to use for my projects! It is cheap and a good way to recycle!

"You can purchase pickle solutions, pickle pots, tongs, and safety equipment from jewelry supply vendors such as Rio Grande, National Jewelers Supplies, Santa Fe Jewelers Supply"

And if you want to learn more- Please- consider buying this book! "The Colouring, Bronzing and Patination of Metals " I did! It is wonderful!

Thank you for joining me today- "QUEEN PATINA"! For another week of Tools and Supplies!
XoxoxoX

Comments

[Ginger]

Jane, I've always wanted to try liver of sulfer (crystals) but didn't know how to dispose of it afterwards. Is it okay to pour it down the drain? Thanks for the info (and loved the article in CPS)!

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Ahh! YES! Try them! They are Really weird and fun to use. As I mentioned- I especially LOVE to use it on green and blue patina- to darken it- as seen it one of those photos I posted. YUM!

As for disposal- I have to say- I have not had to dispose of it yet! I add a little water to a piece of tiny crystal in a little glass jar (baby food jars work great) and when I am finished- the crystal piece has usually dissolved or I just let it dry out and then re-wet it it again to reuse!

Come to think of it- I never actually dispose of any of my patina's- I keep them in glass jars- and reuse them! WOW I need to take a photo of these jars in my studio! It is rather silly to see my obsession of keeping things! EEEKkkk!

I say when in doubt- Look up the info on the product label AND on-line for your State- for specific waste disposal. I am always afraid to throw things down the drain!

GREAT Questions!!! Thank you for posting!

And thank you for the compliments on my CPS! I am tickled about it! It is FUN to see something published!

XoxoxoxoX

[annie]

hi jane! thank you so much for sharing all of this information with us! i love to use liver of sulfur, but now i'm so excited to make my own "rotten egg" solution! i saw the documentary, "the war photographer", and one of the atrocities the film spoke of was the INTENSE dangers of sulfur mining. now, i can oxidize without guilt!

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AHH! Enjoy! I actually read about this in Art Jewelry Magazine a couple of months back. I then went out to the internet and found others doing it- so I tried it- and SURE enough! WOW! It works! Heee!

I kept the little dried up yolks in a little plastic container now- with a piece of paper towel to keep moisture from forming. As long as you are in an open area- with a window open- it is fine! Otherwise- it is like a PICNIC with egg salad- gone wrong! Haa!

WHAT a Great documentary! I need to see that!
Thank you for your post!
XoxoxoX

[Catherine Matthews-Scanlon]

Wow, so much cool information! Thanks, I have been wanting to pick up some Liver of Sulpher - now I think I will.

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I am so glad you are going to try this! Remember it is STINKY but if you can get passed the smell- it does create some interesting effects...

XoxoxoX
Jane

[katie]

i loved reading all about your patina process, your favorite suppliers, and tips. and your article in CPS was great!!
xo katie