Matching Patina Process

Matching Patina Process

We matched the patina of a stunning Handel table lamp and its gorgeous original patina! The original bronze acid patina and the green, Verdigris patina that developed as the brass oxidized.

Our client had two lamps (one a “Handel” that he purchased from us, and one a “Jefferson” he had purchased from another party) that had to be restored because their patinas were destroyed.

Our client had two lamps (one a “Handel” that he purchased from us, and one a “Jefferson” he had purchased from another party) that had to be restored because their patinas were destroyed.

We were very nervous, but decided to add the same bronze finish with the green (verdigris) oxidization pigment to his two lamps. It’s not only difficult to explain this story and process, but the process itself was extremely difficult and meticulous to carry out.

We first had to remove any oils from the exterior by sandblasting with a very fine sand, as not to damage the metal. Once we added the base brown color, we added many layers of different colors to make the same color as our Handel, because there is no way to match the aged patina with one solid color. (We may have even rubbed some gritty dust into it while it was still tacky). We then added a green paint to mimic the Verdigris created from the metal oxidizing.