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PATINATED  "METALLIC"  FINISHING TECHNIQUES

The first step toward achieving a patinated metallic finish requires the addition of metallic powder into the WINTERSTONE Mix.  The most commonly used patinable metals are bronze, brass and copper. The WINTERSTONE sculpting and casting mixes have been formulated to accomodate a certain amount of metallic powders without affecting to any appreciable degree the desireable working characteristics of the mixture.

A metallic powder content in the order of 80 to 100 parts (maximum) per 100 parts by weight of dry WINTERSTONE is recommended.  (Volumetrically this is equivalent to approximately one part metallic to six parts of loose dry WINTERSTONE).  This amount is generally sufficient to produce a metallic effect for patination with the appropriate chemicals.  The metallic powder used should be finer in size than No.200 sieve (0.075 mm) and preferably even finer than No.325 sieve (0.045 mm).

It is also recommended that a small amount of coloured oxide pigment be added, of the order of 2 to 3 parts per 100 parts of WINTERSTONE, to enhance and give depth to the patination.

The mixing and application procedure of  the metallic WINTERSTONE mixture is the same as outlined in the Technical Bulletins for  the respective sculpting or casting mixtures.  However, an increase of 2 - 3  parts water may be required to achieve the desired working consistency.  For casting applications the metallic mixture need only be sufficient to give a face thickness of 1/16 inch.  For sculpting applications where rasping and/or sanding is normally required, a thickness of at least 1/8 inch is recommended.

After 2 to 3 days of air-drying the hardened surface may be sanded to the desired smoothness and then the patinating process can be carried out.  Generally the same formulations and procedures used for patinating foundry cast metals can be used.  Cold patinas are recommended.  Hot patinas are feasible but require additional care and caution to avoid temperature - gradient induced cracking of the surface.  At least 2 weeks of air-drying should be allowed for strength development before proceeding with a hot patina application; also the surface should not be heated to more than 110° - 120°F  generally adequate for most hot patina chemical reactions which can be readily achieved with a simple hair-dryer type of device.

The final sealing of the surface is the same process as outlined in the technical bulletins and which may be an oil or wax rub, breathable acrylic etc. depending on the effect desired and on the environmental exposure.  This procedure is as outlined in the respective sculpting or casting Technical Bulletins.


The Material Safety Data Sheet  for this product should be read before using and is available upon request.

This product is safe to use with proper handling and precautions.  Read and follow directions carefully.

IMPORTANT- The information contained in this Technical Bulletin is considered accurate.  However, no warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of the data, the results to be obtained from the use thereof, or that any such use will not infringe a patent.  User shall determine the suitability of the product for its intended application and assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith.