Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Bronze Patina

I put the new bronze pieces through two hours of tumbling with stainless steel shot to refine the somewhat rough texture from the tear-away sheets. Then I tried torch patinating-- I used a small butane torch to oxidize the surface. I could get gorgeous colors in the flame, but when the metal cooled the color rapidly faded. I was able to retain some color, but not strong color.


I then worked with liver of sulfur, which resulted in a deep rich bronze color. Finally, I buffed the surface with 1200 grit polishing paper to bring out highlights.

So, which do you like better? The green and red patina straight from the kiln, or the polished, weathered bronze patina?