Options for Preserving Patina on Metal

If you want to preserve patina on metal, there are three common methods that are widely used: Renaissance wax, Bee’s wax, and clear lacquer. The choice among these options depends primarily on the end use of the item and the customer’s specific requirements.

Preserve a Patina on Metal with Wax for Natural Appeal 

Firstly, applying wax provides a more natural appearance to the metal surface. This method allows for ongoing maintenance; specifically, the wax can be periodically reapplied and polished off using a soft-edged microfiber cloth. For items such as wall hangings or decorative pieces that are not frequently handled, the patina should remain consistent over time. Alternatively, the patina we apply can serve as a starting point in the aging process. In cases of frequent handling—such as with our tabletops and bar tops—the patina will continue to develop, resulting in a more rustic appearance. In such situations, the maintenance process involves simply washing the surface with soapy water, followed by careful drying. Additionally, it may be necessary to reapply the wax to maintain the desired finish.

Natural Aging to Preserve Patina on Metal

For many copper, brass, and zinc bar tops and tabletops, the straightforward approach often involves just washing and drying. As a result, more patina develops over time, with variations emerging between areas of high and low use. However, these differences blend seamlessly, contributing to a lived-in, rustic charm. A prime example of this is the natural copper bar top at Wetherspoons, which perfectly exemplifies this aesthetic.

Lacquering for Durable Protection

On the other hand, an alternative to waxing to preserve patina on metal is the use of clear lacquer. We actually offer two types of lacquer; one is suitable for high-traffic items like tabletops, while the other is specifically designed for decorative pieces. It is important to note that lacquering does affect the visual appearance to some extent, as it is essentially a clear paint applied over the patina. In some cases, this can brighten the substrate color of the patina, which might be desirable depending on the customer’s choice. However, because lacquer behaves like paint, high traffic across the surface can lead to scuffs over time.

Special Considerations for Various Patinas

For aged copper featuring Verdigris, green copper, or blue copper patinas, it is important to note that these are only available with a lacquer finish. The patina exhibits a unique surface texture and therefore requires sealing with several coats of lacquer to protect it effectively.

Alternatively, aged Corten steel with a rust patina features a light texture. If this material is intended for indoor use as a decorative element, and people may brush against it, sealing is highly recommended to prevent unwanted patina transfer to clothing. Although we usually opt for lacquering in these cases, beeswax can also be used; however, it’s worth mentioning that beeswax tends to darken the tone of the metal. When used outdoors, the Corten patina continues to mature over time, transitioning through various shades of brown into a chestnut brown, a process that can take many years of exposure to the elements. Finally, it is crucial to lacquer blackened steel to maintain its appearance over time.

Final Thoughts on Patina Variability

Lastly, it is essential to remember that the color tones of the patina images displayed on our web pages may vary across different monitors and screens. Overall, selecting a method for preserving patina largely depends on the intended use and aesthetic preferences of the client. Whether choosing wax or lacquer, each approach has its unique benefits that enhance the character of metal surfaces while ensuring their longevity.

To help you preserve patina on metal we can supply waxes from our MetalOffCuts online store.