Curator Verdigris Solution

Description

---

What is Verdigris?

Verdigris is the green or blue-green patina that develops naturally on copper and copper-containing metals such as brass and bronze as they oxidise over time.

Natural verdigris can take considerable time to develop. Curator Verdigris Solution provides a controlled way of accelerating the patination process, allowing restorers and metalworkers to reproduce an aged appearance without waiting for the metal to weather naturally.

---

What Can Verdigris Solution Be Used On?

Curator Verdigris Solution is designed for use on:

• Copper
• Brass
• Bronze
• Decorative metalwork
• Metal sculptures
• Architectural metal details
• Metal fittings and hardware
• Antique restoration projects

The final colour and appearance will depend on the metal, surface preparation, application method and drying conditions.

---

Creating a Verdigris Patina

Curator Verdigris Solution can be used to create a controlled green or blue-green oxidised patina. A light application will produce a more subtle weathered appearance, while repeated applications can develop a deeper and more pronounced finish.

The process works by allowing the solution to react with the prepared metal surface. The solution should be allowed to dry fully between treatments so that the patina can develop.

For restoration work, build the colour gradually rather than applying a heavy treatment immediately. This gives greater control over the final appearance.

---

Preparing the Metal Surface

Good surface preparation is essential when creating a consistent verdigris finish.

Before applying Curator Verdigris Solution:

1. Remove any existing lacquer or protective coating from the metal.
2. Thoroughly remove grease, oil and fingerprints. For best results, use Curator Cold Patination Pre-Treatment.
3. Wash and wipe the metal clean and dry.
4. Clean the surface thoroughly.
5. Allow the metal to dry before applying the solution.

Any remaining grease or coating can prevent the solution from reacting evenly with the metal and may result in an inconsistent patina.

---

How to Use Curator Verdigris Solution

1. Prepare the metal. Remove lacquer and thoroughly clean away grease, oil and fingerprints.
2. Dilute the solution for immersion. Mix Curator Verdigris Solution with up to 10 parts water immerse suitable small objects in a suitable container.
3. Apply the solution directly. Use a cotton wool pad or brush and apply directly.
4. Allow the solution to dry. The drying stage is important because it is during drying that the greening effect develops.
5. Allow sufficient drying time. A longer drying period can help develop the effect.
6. Repeat if required. Additional applications can be used to darken and develop the patina.
7. Dry thoroughly between applications. This helps build the finish gradually and evenly.
8. Protect the finished surface using a suitable finishing wax, protective oil, Jade Oil or appropriate lacquer.

When immersing an object, a minimum immersion time of approximately 5–10 minutes.

Always test first on a spare piece of metal or an inconspicuous area to check the colour, compatibility and final effect.

---

Building and Darkening the Patina

The first application will generally produce a light green patina. If a stronger effect is required, repeat the treatment after the surface has dried completely.

Several lighter applications can provide more control than trying to achieve the final colour in one treatment.

This approach is particularly useful when restoring antique objects where the new patina needs to blend naturally with existing aged areas.

---

Verdigris for Antique Restoration

Verdigris Solution can be particularly useful when restoring or reproducing the appearance of aged copper, brass and bronze.

It can be used to recreate weathered areas, blend replacement components with older metalwork or add an aged appearance to newly manufactured decorative pieces.

For restoration work, compare the colour and texture of the existing patina before treatment and build up the new finish gradually. Always test the treatment before applying it to an original or valuable object.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Curator Verdigris Solution used for?

It is used to create green and blue-green oxidised patina effects on copper, brass and bronze. It is suitable for antique restoration, decorative metalwork, sculptures, fittings and architectural details.

Can Verdigris Solution be used on copper?

Yes. Copper is one of the main metals for which Curator Verdigris Solution is designed.

Can I use it on brass?

Yes. The solution can be used on brass to create an aged green or blue-green verdigris appearance.

Can Verdigris Solution be used on bronze?

Yes. Curator Verdigris Solution is suitable for bronze as well as copper and brass.

How do I create a verdigris patina?

First remove any lacquer, grease and oil from the metal. Dilute the solution with 10 parts water, apply it to the prepared surface and allow it to dry. Repeat the treatment as required to build and darken the patina.

How long should I leave the solution on the metal?

The solution needs to be allowed to dry on the metal because the drying stage produces the greening effect. When immersing an item, a minimum immersion time of approximately 5–10 minutes is recommended before removing it and allowing it to dry.

Can I make the verdigris darker?

Yes. Once the first treatment has dried, repeat the process to develop a darker and more even patina. Always allow the metal to dry thoroughly between treatments.

How should I prepare metal before applying Verdigris Solution?

Remove any lacquer or protective coating and thoroughly clean away grease, oil and fingerprints. Proper preparation is essential for achieving a consistent patina.

Can Verdigris Solution be used on sculptures?

Yes. It is suitable for appropriate copper, brass and bronze sculptures and decorative metalwork.

What dilution should I use?

Dilute Curator Verdigris Solution with 10 parts water before application.

What sizes is Curator Verdigris Solution available in?

It is available in 150ml, 500ml, 1 litre, 2.5 litre and 5 litre sizes.

---

Important: Always test the solution first on a spare surface or inconspicuous area to check the colour, compatibility and final result. Use appropriate protective equipment and follow the current product safety information.