The verdigris patina that is formed on certain metals when they are exposed to the elements has become part of a popular design trend used in buildings, landscapes and interior design. While the naturally occurring process that creates the bright blue and green colors may take time, there are methods to speed up the process on smaller items. However, a faux finish may work best for some projects.
Metals such as brass, bronze and copper are known for the texture and color that forms on their surface when left outdoors. These green, blue and rust colors are commonly referred to as verdigris. The most well-known example of a verdigris finish is likely the Statue of Liberty. Visitors are often surprised to learn the statue's bright color is not from paint.
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.
The verdigris finish has become more visible in today's interior design trends. It adds a vibrant punch of color when working with the rustic elements many homeowners are looking for. Fortunately, designers have the options of using an artificial method to speed up the process or creating a faux finish.
There are many variations on using an artificial process to create a verdigris finish. However, most involve simple household ingredients, such as dish soap, white vinegar and salt. This type of treatment is best for small items that would be used to decorate the home, such as planters, picture frames or lamp bases.
For large areas and for those pieces that are not made from metal, a faux finish may be the best way to achieve the desired look. Craft centers and home improvement stores would be the best places to find a kit that contain supplies for creating a verdigris finish. However, the desired effect can also be achieved using basic paints in shades of green, blue and metallic rust colors. This type of finish is best for accent walls, kitchen cabinets and even headboards.
Using various types of metals in home decorating is a growing design trend. Using bright verdigris colors in interior and exterior projects is a great way to add some punch to the popular rustic look. The best method for creating this finish would depend on how it is being used and the desired effect.
Metals such as brass, bronze and copper are known for the texture and color that forms on their surface when left outdoors. These green, blue and rust colors are commonly referred to as verdigris. The most well-known example of a verdigris finish is likely the Statue of Liberty. Visitors are often surprised to learn the statue's bright color is not from paint.
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.
The verdigris finish has become more visible in today's interior design trends. It adds a vibrant punch of color when working with the rustic elements many homeowners are looking for. Fortunately, designers have the options of using an artificial method to speed up the process or creating a faux finish.
There are many variations on using an artificial process to create a verdigris finish. However, most involve simple household ingredients, such as dish soap, white vinegar and salt. This type of treatment is best for small items that would be used to decorate the home, such as planters, picture frames or lamp bases.
For large areas and for those pieces that are not made from metal, a faux finish may be the best way to achieve the desired look. Craft centers and home improvement stores would be the best places to find a kit that contain supplies for creating a verdigris finish. However, the desired effect can also be achieved using basic paints in shades of green, blue and metallic rust colors. This type of finish is best for accent walls, kitchen cabinets and even headboards.
Using various types of metals in home decorating is a growing design trend. Using bright verdigris colors in interior and exterior projects is a great way to add some punch to the popular rustic look. The best method for creating this finish would depend on how it is being used and the desired effect.
