#PATINA FINISH ON METAL WINDOWS#
(Photo via Crescent City Copper) Special Considerations with Natural Patinas on Bronze Windows and Doors 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.Īs an alloy of several different compounds, architectural bronze will change at a different rate than standalone copper. The percentage of copper in the material will play an important factor to the rate of change and resulting colors.Ĭopper Weathering Chart: An example of the natural weathering of copper (one of the components in architectural bronze).Īrchitectural bronze is a metal alloy that consists of copper, iron, lead, and zinc. As such, the colors will vary over the years from shiny or raw, from brown to black and eventually different shades of green. Natural patinas are a result of organic changes. (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.) If you’re familiar with Corten steel, this is the same principle. 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. Please be advised this option will require routine upkeep in order to maintain the desired optimal cosmetic appearance.Hand-Applied Artisan Patina Finish on Bronze Some customers may decide to paint their fire pits with a high heat paint, which is available in several color options. So even though the surface may look rusty, the Fire Bowl will not rust through, warp or rot out over time. This weathering/patina process occurs at the surface level and the Patina finish helps to act as a coating, protecting the metal underneath from material degradation. All Fire Pits and their accessory products are constructed out of the same high carbon-grade steel and will eventually look similar with time and use. Because the amount of direct exposure to these natural elements may vary on specific parts of the product(s), some areas may or may not weather/patina as fast as others. The patina process usually starts off orange-ish in color, but will become more dark brown in appearance as the steel is continually exposed to water and heat. rain, moisture, humidity) and oxygen comes in contact with the iron in the untreated " Natural Steel Finish".
This weathering/patina process is a completely natural reaction that occurs when water (i.e. No protective coating or finish is applied to the steel to preserve it from weathering or beginning to form its natural iron oxide patina (otherwise known as rust). Usually this " Natural Steel Finish" appears gray or silver, but this too may vary based on the batch of sourced raw steel material used. This finish is simply the uncoated mill finish of the steel after it is formed at the mill. Many of our products start out in a state that we refer to as a " Natural Steel Finish". What is Patina? In metal, Patina is the finish that develops on the metal’s surface over a period of time due to a natural weathering and oxidation process.
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