Patination is one of the best ways to give the metal a unique and aged look with interesting textures and colours.
To get the desired results, it is important to use the right tools and techniques. In this guide, we’ve covered all the important tools and techniques you require for patination, including options for professional steel patination service in London.
We’ve broken down each tool and technique so that you know the exact reason for using that tool and its significance.
This guide will help you to conquer your patination project with more confidence and creativity.
Essential Tools for Patination
Safety is as much as important as technique. When undertaking patination service in London, protective gear is a must to protect themselves for the desired results.
Following is the guide of what you need to know and its importance.
Protective Gears
Safety Goggles: Safety goggles are glasses specially designed to protect your eyes during patination.
While using patination chemicals, the risk to your eyes is high. Safety goggles act as a barrier between the eyes and chemicals. It saves your precious eyes from damage from chemical fumes and splashes.
Gloves: Chemical resistance gloves are recommended for the patination workers. These pair of gloves are made specially for stopping the damage to your hands from harsh chemicals.
Chemicals used in the patination process are not ordinary chemicals. They have adverse impacts on human skin. If those chemicals come into contact with human skin, then they can create problems like irritation, burning, and more complications, especially when working on bronze sculptor repair.
So it’s better to take precautions by wearing safety gloves.
Respirator Mask: A respirator mask is a special type of mask that covers the parts of your mouth and nose, except your eyes. These marks are specially designed for filtering out the chemicals in the breathing air.
During patination, chemicals release harmful dust and fumes that can be potentially harmful if inhaled. A respirator mask filters out the harmful particles floating in the air to save your lungs from potential damage. If you are working in an area of poor ventilation, then this mask is important.
Guide to Use Protective Gear
Safety Goggles: Always wear safety goggles while mixing chemicals or applying (spraying) them for the layering of metals or sculptors. Make sure goggles fit comfortably and completely around your eyes.
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Gloves: Remember to put on a clean pair of gloves before handling the harsh chemicals. If your gloves wear out or get dirty, replace them immediately.
Respirator Mask: Wear the respirator mask whenever and wherever you are working with chemicals. Ensure the respirator mask fits perfectly around your mouth and nose so you don’t inhale the harsh chemicals.
By wearing these protective gear, you can ensure your safety during the patiation process. For a successful and enjoyable patination process, ensure your safety, too. With proper safety, you can focus on making textured and beautiful surface finishes.
Application Tools
Application tools play a big role in how patina turns out. The following are the main tools you need.
Brushes: Always choose brushes based on the type of surface and area you are going to work on. Small and fine brushes are best for adding details, and bigger brushes are useful for covering large surface areas early. For expert guidance on brush selection, consider consulting with experts in the patination service in London.
Spray Bottles: Spray bottles are perfect for spraying the solution evenly on the surface of metal and sculpture. By spraying, the layer will be spread evenly and easily. You can adjust the saturation by lightly spraying the chemical over the surface.
Sponges and Rags: Sponges and rags are used to wipe away extra patina or for better blending of colour.
Cleaning Tools
Before applying patina, it is important to clean the surface thoroughly. If there is any dirt or dust on the surface of the metal that needs to be patinated, layering will not be perfect.
Wire Brushes: Wire brushes are used to scrape off the rust and old layers from the metal surface.
Sandpaper: Sandpaper is used to smooth out the metal surface and prepare it for patina.
Metal Polish: It helps the patina to be applied evenly, making the surface clean and smooth.
Use these tools to make your metal ready before patination.
Mixing & Measuring Tools
You need to mix solutions more precisely to get better results of patination. For precise mixing, you might need a few tools.
Measuring Cups: These cups will help you in the precise measuring of chemicals and solutions.
Mixing Containers: For mixing chemicals, use containers such as plastic or steel, which don’t react. Don’t use containers that are reactive with patination chemicals.
Stirring Sticks: These sticks are used to mix chemicals thoroughly. Avoid using any metal thing to mix the solution.
Accurate mixing with precise measurement helps your patina turn out. Therefore, it’s important to have the best tools before you’re ready to go.
For professional results, consider reaching out to professionals at the steel patination service in London.
Patina Chemicals
For patination, different chemicals are mixed together to achieve the desired colours.
Copper Sulfate: This makes green and blue shades on copper and bronze surfaces.
Ammonia: It creates a number of colours mainly used on copper and bronze.
Iron-nitrate: Iron nitrate gives a little rusty-coloured look to iron metal sculptors and other artwork made up of iron.
Liver of Sulfur: It produces a range of colours from black to blues to purple.
Patination chemicals can be dangerous, so it’s better to always follow safety instructions.
Metal Substrates
When patination is done, different metal surfaces show different changes.
Copper: It changes colours a lot, from green to reddish hues.
Bronze: Like copper, bronze also shows a variety of colours and textures due to patination.
Steel: Creates rust-like colours and rough texture on the surface.
Aluminium: A lightweight metal that holds patination colour and texture more efficiently.
Sealing Agents
After giving your metal patina, sealing agents are needed to improve its look and aesthetics. Following is the list of some common sealers.
Clear Acrylic Spray: This spray is simple and can be used to spray over the patinated surface, creating a secure patination layer without harming the colour of the metal.
Wax: It provides a soft, smooth shine with a layer of protection. Gives a more classic finish to the patinated metal.
Lacquer: It protects the metal surface from damage and tarnish over time.
Sealing contributes to the longevity of patinated metal by preventing chances of wear and damage. Each sealant offers a different look, so choose the one that suits your style.
Preparation for Patination
Follow the simple steps for the best patina finish.
Metal Cleaning: It is crucial to thoroughly clean the surface of metal. Clean the traces of rust, grease or old paint. For better cleaning, use a wire brush, sandpaper and metal polish to clean it completely.
Test First: Don’t just spray the patina solution on the metal surface. Prepare it and spray it all over the metal surface. By testing, you’ll get an idea of the effect and colour of the patina.
Set up your space: Work in a well-ventilated space. Gather all the required tools for seamless patination to prevent the effect caused by the spilling of chemicals on the surface.
It will help you achieve a smoother-looking patina.
Applying Patina
Mix the Patina Solution: For safe and complete mixing of the patination solution, follow the instructions clearly written on the bottle. Measure and mix the chemicals precisely by proportion.
Applying Patina: Use a brush or spray bottle to apply the patina evenly over the surface. Apply thin layers of patina for a better and more desirable look.
Wait for Reaction: Let the chemical mixture sit on the metal surface for some time. This time totally depends on the look and colour you need.
Rinse and Dry: When the colour and texture you want are achieved, stop the reaction by washing it in water and letting it sit in the sun for hours to dry completely.
Seal It: Protect the layer of the patina and make it last longer by applying a protective sealing layer.
Common Problems in Patination
Uneven Colouring: If the patina solution isn’t applied gradually all over the metal surface, it can create an uneven-coloured appearance. To avoid this problem, make sure to apply patina chemicals evenly throughout the metal surface.
Wrong Colour or Textures: If the chemical you mixed isn’t mixed properly, or you didn’t wait for a suitable reaction time of the chemical with a metal surface, then the colour will not appear as per your desire. It’s better to follow the instructions clearly to avoid the final colour output.
Discolouration or Staining: If you notice any stains or spots on the metal surface, it might be due to the dust and dirt on the metal surface. Clean the surface completely to avoid this problem.
You can improve the final output by paying attention to minute details.
Cleaning Up
Once you finish your patina project, clean the tools and workspace completely. Be responsible. Don’t put any chemicals in the public drainage. Dispose of the leftover chemicals according to the law. If you are storing the chemicals, then store them with proper hygiene.
Make sure to tighten the lid and keep it in a safe and dry place. Keep it out of reach by normal people. Wipe your patina tools with a sponge and safe cotton cloth. Wash them with washing liquid to remove the traces of chemicals from the patination tools.
Keep your workplace safe and tidy by cleaning it completely. A contaminated workplace may cause serious health issues.
Proper disposal of chemicals contributes to a sustainable environment. Always follow safety instructions at every step to avoid any complications.
In a Nutshell
A metal can achieve a timeless and elegant look by proper patination. With the use of the right tools and techniques, you can achieve the desired colour and textures on your projects.
Ensure your safety with proper safety gear and gather all important patina tools for seamless patination. Each step demands dedication and focus to achieve the desired look with patination.
Are you ready to transform your metal with patina? Try these tips! If you feel yourself struggling at any step, then connect with Bespoke Patination for professional patination service.