Bronze – This material has its own significance when it comes to art and sculpture. You might have seen a number of sculptures made years ago and wondered which material they’ve used. Yes, you guessed it right, It is Bronze.
But why?
Why did sculpture artists never use iron or steel as other materials? Why did they choose Bronze?
There are multiple reasons behind it! You might have seen a number of sculptures made of gold, stone and other materials, too. There are a number of sculptures, and some of them are very popular. They were made years ago and crafted using bronze.
Undoubtedly, we can say that bronze is the most loved and chosen metal among sculpture artists for creating beautiful sculptures.
Now, there is a term referred to as “Patina”. A beautiful colour transformation bronze gets as it ages.
This beautiful transformation is another reason which makes it the perfect choice for making sculptures and art.
In older days, patina was a natural process. But now, times have changed, and top patination artists in Birmingham can give a newly built structure an age-old vintage look.
What is Patina? — Patina is a thin layer formed on the surface of bronze sculpture over the years. It enhances the sculpture’s beauty and also protects the surface of the sculpture.
Patina adds depth and character and enhances the sculptor’s colour.
Bronze Patination
Patination is the process of forming a layer over the surface of a bronze sculpture named Patina.
Patina can be formed over the bronze sculptor’s surface with two methods: one is natural, and the second is with the help of chemicals. Patination chemicals are also used to speed up the patination process.
A few factors such as types, saturation of chemicals and longevity of environmental exposure of bronze sculptors.
Mainly there are two types of Patination:
- Natural Patina
- Applied Patina
Natural Patina: Patination occurs due to environmental factors, such as natural patina.
Applied Patina: Patination is done using chemicals to speed up the process. A lot of customisation can be done related to the look and texture of the sculptor’s final appearance.
Importance of Patina
Patina safeguards the bronze sculptor’s surface from damage and makes it more appealing. Patina gives the sculpture a distinguished look and is more aesthetically pleasing.
How Patina Affects Sculptor
Adds Texture & Depth
Patina makes the bronze structure look more realistic by applying colour and depth to it. Without patina, bronze sculptors just look flat and shiny structure. With patination, bronze sculptors look more detailed and more textured.
Beautiful Timeless Appearance
Patina makes bronze sculptors look like they belong to the medieval era. It makes the appearance more realistic and aesthetically pleasing. The bronze sculpture forms a greenish tone on its surface after so many years, enhances the appearance and makes the sculptor look historical.
Many age-old statues turn into green statues, such as the famous “The Statue of Liberty.”
Artistic Method
Although there are few fixed methods of applying patina, we all know the artistic mind. Patina artists use their creativity to transform the look of bronze sculptors. Or we can say nowadays when everybody wants patination done on their art piece, sculptors, creativity is much needed to make each patina look unique and attractive. So when you next time search for a bronze patination professional, choose a creative one.
How Patination Professionals Apply Patina
Every patination artist chooses their own way of applying the patina on bronze sculptors. But there are a few basic steps each professional needs to follow for better patina results.
Prepare the Bronze Surface
Thorough cleaning and polishing are required before starting the Bronze Patination process. Patination professionals ensure the complete removal of dirt, dust and rust from the sculptor’s surface.
Applying Chemicals
To achieve the desired colour finish on bronze sculptors, patina professionals use different chemicals in different compositions. The liver of sulfur is a common chemical used in the patination process. It gives the sculptor a dark brown or black colour appearance.
Ferric nitrate is used for a reddish-brown appearance. Copper nitrate is used for green or blue shades. There are three methods of applying patina. Some paint, some spray or some dip sculptor in the solution.
Using Heat
Heat is the most important and common element in the patination process. The heat helps the chemical to react fast with the bronze sculptor. Heat enhances the colour and texture of the sculptor.
With a heating torch, by heating different areas of the sculptor in an oven, artists are able to create a shadow effect on it.
Sealing and Waxing
Sealing and waxing both serve the same purpose. It protects the patina coating. Layering of wax or sealing is important. It makes the sculptor’s surface more shiny and lustrous. It protects the sculptor even in harsh weather conditions.
To make the unique and long-lasting appearance of bronze sculptors, these steps need to be followed.
Patination is an Ancient Art
Patination is an ancient technique. We have seen a number of Egyptian and Greek sculptors patinated, shining brightly.
Patination transformed the look of sculptors in different eras.
Conclusion
Patination has the power to convert a simple bronze sculptor into a unique and aesthetically pleasing piece of art. Patination adds depth, colour, texture and character to make each sculptor into artwork. Bronze patination breathes new life into age-old bronze sculptors. Bronze patination is the secret ingredient that makes a sculptor more attention-grabbing. The next time you pass by the bronze sculptor, take a moment to appreciate the patina.
If you want to make your bronze sculptor stand out, make it aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting, then choose Bespoke Patination for Bronze Sculptor restoration.