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vendredi 14 mars 2014

Verdigris Patina Indoors And Out

By Jaclyn Hurley


The beautiful blues and greens of the verdigris patina found on various metals left out in the elements have become quite popular for use in building design, landscaping and home decorating. While the naturally occurring process may take some time, there are various ways to speed things up. However, some interior design projects may be better suited for a faux finish that mimics this patina.

The colors and texture that form on certain metal surfaces, such as brass, copper or bronze, are known as verdigris. It is largely pale green and may have rust-colored areas as well as blue spots. This patina is commonly associated with The Statue of Liberty. The statue's vivid colors are a result of this natural process, which surprises many visitors who previously assumed it had been painted.

Exposure to air or seawater is most often the cause of this occurrence. It is produced through chemical processes such as oxidation. It sometimes takes years for the color to develop, but this largely depends on if the area is urban or industrial as well as which elements are naturally occurring.

This patina has varying shades of beautiful rust, blue and green colors, which have become popular with landscapers, building designers and interior decorators. Developing this finish by exposing metals to the elements takes time. However, landscapers and building designers can factor this process into their project planning. Interior decorators may not have this luxury, as they typically use elements not suitable for outdoor exposure. For these applications, other methods to speed up the process or mimic the desired look may be more appropriate.

As the trend of using metals in the home continues to grow, interior decorators are increasingly incorporating elements with a verdigris finish into their design plans. The bright colors offer a unique twist to the rustic flare many homeowners desire. For pieces and areas that would not tolerate exposure to the weather, an artificial process or faux finish may be used.

Creating a verdigris finish using an artificial process can be done in several fairly simple ways. The easiest process typically involves basic ingredients found in the home, such as white vinegar, salt and dish soap. This treatment would work well for small decorative items, such as picture frames, lamp bases or planters.

To achieve a verdigris finish on larger areas or on elements that are not made from metal, it may be best to apply a faux finish. Home improvement stores and craft centers often carry kits that contain everything needed to create a faux finish of this type, but it can easily be achieved using various shades of blue, green and metallic paints. A faux finish would be ideal for headboards, kitchen cabinets or even an accent wall.

Incorporating verdigris colors into exterior or interior design projects will add some punch to an otherwise rustic design. The trend will likely continue as the use of metals in interior design gains popularity. The best method for achieving this look will depend on where it's being applied and the intended use of the piece.




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