When people are looking into a bronze casting, they have an expectation of the final effect and finish, with a dark brown shimmer that immediately catches the eye and makes any design feel intimately special.
However, a lot of the most famous bronze and copper alloy statues and sculptures in the world are not this colour at all. In fact, they are often a rather striking blue-green, as most famously seen on the Statue of Liberty.
This effect is known as a patinated bronze and illustrates the uncanny effect bronze has to look even more striking and beautiful as it ages, in a way that is far removed from the original shimmer.
Whilst often described as corrosion due to changing colour in the same way that oxidation turns iron brown, patina is a layer that forms naturally on the top of metal such as bronze, copper and brass upon exposure to oxygen that provides a distinct, dull green look.
It is not damaging to the bronze, one of the most resilient alloys ever made, but the patina coating can protect the material from other elements that could damage it. Ironically, some bronze statues with a distinctive patina may have this coating protected by a layer of lacquer or wax.
It is such a popular look due to the distinctive verdigris effect that it has been often added artificially to provide the same type of unique look, with the added benefit that the effect is far less unstable in its results than caused by natural patination.
There are various treatments that can be used, including ammonium sulphate, sal ammoniac and hydrochloric acid, all of which provide a different effect, finish and look to them.
This similar antique look is available with our castings as well, allowing for your precious memories to be immortalised and pickled throughout the ages as well.
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