New application techniques and new welding alloys have changed the aesthetic outcomes of light patinas on bronze. Medium to dark patinas can help in hiding a multitude of sins – inherent defects in the bronze substrate, some of the minor striations from the extrusion process and, of course, the welding of the miter joins. It wasn’t that long ago that a patina finish on bronze would be called “Oil Rubbed Bronze” and everyone knew pretty much what it was going to look like. These light patina requests seem to be a growing trend. Hand-applied patina finishes seem to provide a bell-weather for developing trends in architectural finish preferences. We suggest discussing your goals and building location with your supplier if a natural patina is in your sights. Natural patinas will develop faster in coastal and marine environments than on dry land or inland locations. The rate of change or finish of the patina will depend on the environment in which the bronze is placed-whether there is clean air or industrial air, humidity, moisture, exposure to salt, and other similar factors.
#BRONZE PATINA URINE WINDOWS#
(Photo via Crescent City Copper) Special Considerations with Natural Patinas on Bronze Windows and Doors As an alloy of several different compounds, architectural bronze will change at a different rate than standalone copper. The level of copper determines the high resistance to corrosion, and the level of zinc contributes to the hardness and tensile strength of the material. The level of copper determines the high resistance to corrosion, and the level of zinc contributes to the hardness and tensile strength of the material.Īrchitectural bronze is a metal alloy that consists of copper, iron, lead, and zinc. Natural patinas are a result of organic changes. As such, the colors will vary over the years from shiny or raw, from brown to black and eventually different shades of green. The percentage of copper in the material will play an important factor to the rate of change and resulting colours.Īrchitectural bronze is a metal alloy that consists of copper, iron, lead, and zinc. If you’re familiar with Corten steel, this is the same principle. (This is different than natural rusting on steel, which can also be considered a patina finish however the rust does not protect the iron and instead causes breakdown of the steel.)
The natural patina finish is actually a protective layer for the copper and other compounds in bronze. If the patina is left to age naturally, expect to have a range of different finishes, textures and colors. Just leave the Bronze alone and nature will take care of the rest. You don’t have to do anything to get a natural patina. A natural patina finish contains various chemical compounds, including oxides, carbonates, and sulfates formed on the surface due to exposure to elements in the atmosphere. Natural patinas are beautiful finishes evolved over many years and decades from exposure to the elements. Patina can occur on metals, wood, leathers and other materials. Some changes are desirable – others not so much.Ī patina is actually considered tarnish, and can refer to any change in surface finish of a material through age and exposure. In some cases, patina finishes can even assume new surface textures. Patina finishes may develop naturally over many years, or they can be created and enhanced through hand-crafted artisan techniques mixed with science. Natural Patinas Develop with Time and Exposure Here are a few guidelines for working with architectural bronze from our experience with windows and doors. Understanding a little about the art and science of Bronze patinas can help you select the ideal finish, for both longevity and appearance. Then, to plan for maintaining the bronze cladding over the long-term - which is discussed in a different article (click here). The main way to manage the natural process over time is to select a patina based on the desired aesthetic and environment.
The key is to understand everyone’s expectations around Bronze for the long term.
0 kommentar(er)
