How to make a patina on metal with your own hands - types and rules of application
Arrangement of semi-antique premises is considered quite a popular area. Forged and vintage elements perfectly fit into the interior of bedrooms, made in a classic style. To achieve the desired effect, it is worth using a metallic patina. This technique makes it possible to artificially age modern objects. To achieve a neat result, it is important to follow the instructions carefully.
General concept of patina
This term refers to the technique of aging a metal surface, which is obtained by applying paints based on different acids. As a result, the products acquire a unique appearance and are imbued with the spirit of antiquity.
Before carrying out work, it is recommended to tidy up the working surfaces, and then treat them with a special primer. This improves the adhesion of the dye to the surface. Patinating metal takes a lot of time and patience.
Effects available on metals
Metal objects are not so common in apartments. However, with the help of such elements it is possible to create a unique design.Their functions can be performed by candlesticks, lamps, chandeliers. These products are distinguished by their attractive appearance. However, in some interiors they want to give a special effect of antiquity. For this, the patina technique is used. With its help, it is possible to achieve different results:
- The effect of antiquity on silver objects is very pretty. This type of metal is very sensitive to sulphur. Its application allows you to get different colors - from pale yellow to bright turquoise. Under the influence of chlorides and amino acids, it is possible to obtain a black tint. However, in this case, the film will turn out to be rather crude. If the silver is simply blackened, it will be possible to achieve an excellent antique effect.
- Gold does not react with virtually any chemicals. If the alloy contains copper or nickel, after a while orange or brown spots will appear on the surface.
- Copper products are often found in residential premises. The formation of a green film on a copper base is observed under the influence of chlorides. It is possible to obtain a black color due to the interaction with the oxide. Copper reacts very quickly.
- Bronze products are easily degraded by molecules. In this case, the formation of blue or green plaque on the surface is possible. The most noble result is obtained with a black patina. This effect is created by processing the oil. Copper shavings are used for calcination.
Varieties of skating compositions
Depending on the idea, the patina makes it possible to obtain different effects:
- complete aging;
- partial aging;
- cracks.
Patinating agents can vary in consistency:
- Thick - similar to the paste used for processing wood. With its help, it is possible to achieve yellow or red tones, reminiscent of gold.
- Liquid - made on the basis of water or polymers. Such products give shine to the surface and make it more noble in appearance.
- Faceted varnishes - help to achieve an aged surface due to the formation of cracks.
Acrylic
This material is considered versatile. It is permissible to use it not only for metal, but also for wood or plaster. This substance is water-based. With its help, it is possible to create a durable coating, which is characterized by a high degree of adhesion to the surface. After application of the composition, a film appears on the product which protects it from microbes and fungi.
Acrylic patina is considered a simple process. Even a beginner can handle this technology.
To obtain an original product, it is recommended to combine compositions of different colors. It is also allowed to apply different shades of patina in several layers. This will help to realize the creation of a complex ornament.
Moreover, there are many acrylic colors on sale. In this case, you can buy metallic or classic tones. If necessary, such a patina can be combined with other techniques - ordinary staining, decoupage or varnishing.
Stain
The use of such formulations is considered a simple way to artificially age the surface. The material makes it possible to refine the products, to make them more sophisticated and attractive. For the stain to be successful, it is important to prepare the surface well.
Bitumen
This building material helps to give the surface a special look, emphasizing all the relief elements. After applying the substance to the product, the excess must be removed.
The bituminous patina is made from turpentine, polymer concrete and white spirit. It cannot be considered a finishing material. After drying, the surface must be covered with shellac to fix the result. Otherwise, it won't last long.
Wax
Quite often wax patina is used as a finishing coat. They come in the form of a water-based paste. For the preparation of such a composition, natural wax and metal dust are used. Colorless compositions are also on sale. After their application, a beautiful pearly shine remains.
With the help of a wax patina, the structure of the surface can be emphasized and tinted. It is important to consider that the material is easy to apply. It dries slowly and rubs in easily. Therefore, the substance can be used at a comfortable pace. There are different shades of wax on sale - golden, bronze, silver, brass.
Butter
Oil patina is considered a very practical option. It does not hide the natural shade of the material and helps to favorably emphasize the pattern. According to its characteristics, the substance resembles a waxy patina. It is easy to apply and dries slowly. It is important to take into account that it is forbidden to use the composition in the decoupage technique, since it causes the paper to dissolve.
Shellac
By itself, this material is distinguished by a yellow or red-brown color. As the number of layers increases, it becomes darker and darker. The substance can be used alone or combined with decoupage. Shellac can be an intermediate or finishing coat. To work with it, you need to use a brush or a sponge.
DIY instructions
The skating process is considered quite simple. Even a novice master is able to cope with it.
Surface preparation
Before applying the decorative patina, the surface must be carefully prepared. The use of such material is allowed only for perfectly smooth metal. It must be free of corrosion. This will lead to an insufficient quality primer of the surface. As a result, the top layers blister and peel.
It is recommended to remove all burrs, chips and bumps should be covered with putty and sanded with sandpaper. First you need to use a coarse texture, then a finer texture.
It is recommended to cover the prepared surface with a special primer. The most convenient way is to use a spray can. After that, a patina paint should be applied to the surface.
It is important to consider that the patina effect is perfect on objects painted with dark paint. The surface must dry well. Otherwise, the patina will not adapt well and the desired effect will not work.
Paint application technique
To perform the skating procedure, it is permissible to use a brush or sponge. If you apply the dissolved paint to the tip of the brush, you can get completely different textures. Do not wet the brush before painting - it must be dry. A wet tool will cause drips and drips on the metal surface.
Experienced craftsmen advise against using too large or too small tools. The ideal hair size is 2 to 3 centimeters. The sponge will give a dusty effect, but don't press too hard. In this case, the pores of the tool will be imprinted on the surface.
It is recommended to keep a tissue and solvent handy during the operation. You will also need some base paint. You have to work the patina very clearly. There is a risk of getting an unsightly flat effect when reapplying the substance to the metal. It is important to be careful when painting individual pieces. If a substance is accidentally applied to an adjacent area, it must be covered with a background substance.
Metal patina with oxidizing agents
To obtain the required coating, the metal should be immersed in different chemical compositions. This method is considered very time-consuming. However, the result is a beautiful color film effect on the surface. This method achieves a more permanent effect, as the film will not wear off the surface like dyes.
To artificially age metal, special chemicals are needed. Before starting work, preparation is necessary. However, it is not worth priming and painting the metal. It is recommended to degrease it and bleach it with an acid solution. All manipulations are completely allowed to be carried out at home.
To achieve the desired effect, you need to add acid to the finished solution - nitric, sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. Then it is recommended to immerse a metal product in the resulting liquid. It is important to respect the duration of the procedure. The patina will appear fairly quickly.
During work, it is important to do everything as carefully as possible. In this case, it is worth using rubber gloves and taking short breaks. It is important to keep in mind that the coating is not particularly durable. Therefore, it must be varnished.
Features of application to forged products
The easiest way to age forged products is to dye them with metallic substances and patina coatings. On the main layer it is allowed to apply varnish with a crackle effect. It will simulate small cracks and make the surface more decorative.
To achieve a beautiful effect, the product must be cleaned of dirt and rust. Then it must be covered with a layer of primer. It is recommended to apply metallic compounds with a brush. Foam pads and dry brushes can be used to create signs of aging.
examples of
Weathered metal products fit perfectly into any interior. It is allowed to use relief aged facades in the kitchen, and a bronze sink with weathered elements in the bathroom.
The use of the patina of the metal makes it possible to obtain a trendy aged effect. To achieve an accurate result, it is important to strictly follow the technology of work.