The Patina Effect - how to get the copper/aged look

Patina is a tarnish produced by chemical processes that forms on the surface of many types of metals. 

The aging process creates a weathered appearance on the metal or zinc which will continue to change over time.

However there are easier ways of creating the Patina effect such as using using specialty paints, inks and other mediums such as  a verdigris or  patina kit. 

These usually consist of a bronze or copper paint and an oxidiser – usually acetic acid based. 

Rust is one form of patina. It is the result of corroding steel after the iron particles have been exposed to oxygen and moisture, like humidity, vapor, or immersion,

Patina as a noun (originally): A paten, flat type of dish.

1. A thin greenish layer, usually basic copper sulfate, that forms on copper or copper alloys, such as bronze, as a result of corrosion.

2. The sheen on any surface, produced by age and use.

3. A change in appearance produced by long-standing behavior, practice, or use: a face etched with a patina of fine lines and tiny wrinkles.

So the  green patina that forms naturally on copper and bronze, sometimes called verdigris, usually consists of varying mixtures of copper chlorides, sulfides, sulfates and carbonates, depending upon environmental conditions such as sulfur-containing acid rain.

Verdigris as a noun: A blue-green patina or rust that forms on copper-containing metals.

1. A blue or green powder consisting of basic cupric acetate used as a paint pigment and fungicide.

2. A green patina or crust of copper sulfate or copper chloride formed on copper, brass, and bronze exposed to air or seawater for long periods of time.

Verdigris is not a unique chemical substance but is a collective name for various copper acetates. Their color varies from blue to green. It reacts with binding media such as oils and resins and forms transparent oleates or resinates.

The Designer Finishes kits by Decoart are perfect for adding a custom finish to your paint projects. In three or four simple steps, anyone can achieve a realistic rusted metal finish. 

You can easily recreate the appearance of popular and vintage finishes with these kits. 

Each kit covers approximately 4 square feet of surface and comes complete with instructions. 

RANGER-Perfect Pearls Set is another kit which has includes four coordinating powders, perfect medium pad, detail and dusting brushes. Specially developed with a built-in resin. Perfect Pearls pigments are easy to use wet or dry.

Mix with watercolors, inks, acrylic paints, ultra thick embossing enamel, embossing powders, clay, and other mediums for radiant results.

The kit includes tips and technique booklet. 

Tim Holtz - Distress Art is a Ranger Signature Art Designer well known in the craft industry for his creative product lines, manufactured by Ranger, including Tim Holtz Distress® inks and oxides. 
The distress line of products is very versatile, with a huge range of colours. 

One of the newest releases is the Salvaged Patina. You can use this colour with stamps and stencils to create all sorts of patina effects.