Definition of patina - What is it, Meaning and Concept

Patina is a concept that derives from patina , a Latin word that can be translated as "dish" .The notion refers to a kind of varnish that, from moisture , is created on certain surfaces and covers them.Its etymological origin is due to the varnish that covered the dishes in ancient times.

The patina, therefore, can be a certain varnish or any layer that covers something.For example: “With this patina, the table will be more protected and the wood will remain intact for a longer time ”, “ The work is not ready yet: a varnish patina is still missing ”, “ The original color of the soil is no longer visible: a patina dust and dirt cover the surface ”.

In the case of copper and some of its alloys, the patina arises naturally with the passage of time due to the corrosion of the material.The metal, from the action d and various environmental components, it gradually returns to its natural mineral condition.In this process, a kind of salt film is formed that is known as patina.

In the engines , the patina is a combination of oxides that is used to protect the switch or collector.

If the term is accentuated in the «I» ( patina ), it is a conjugation of the verb skate (move on the ground due to the slippery conditions of this or thanks to the use of wheels): "Look like Lucrecia skates!" , "The track where the Olympic athlete skates will remain closed for two months for parts ”.

How to skate a piece of furniture

The patina can be applied to a piece of furniture once built to improve its appearance , giving it softness while making it look older, something that many people find very attractive to the eye.the patinated serves both wood and forge or iron, among other materials.

Another objective of applying patina to a piece of furniture is to highlight its moldings and carvings through the darkening of the incoming parts and the lighting of the projections; This enriches the textures regardless of the quality of the base material.Also, the patina helps to hide the defects and imperfections, both of the material and the work.

To carry out the patina of a piece of furniture, a measure of flaxseed oil is needed for every three of turpentine or turpentine, which forms a liquid called glaze , which dissolves the other the elements of the list: ground pigment or oil of the desired color .

When choosing the color, special attention should be paid, since the ideal is that it contrasts with the finish; For example, in the case of furniture that has already been painted, a oil tone similar to the original one is recommended, although slightly darker.In addition, so that the patina does not drag the paint or varnish, It is essential that the furniture is completely dry.

The steps to apply the patina are as follows:

* mix the material of color (ground or oil pigment) with the linseed oil and dilute it with turpentine or turpentine for a lighter consistency;

* use a soft brush to spread the mixture on the furniture.If the surface is very large, it is convenient to work in parts;

* to achieve an aspect of aging natural , it is better to give more hands on the moldings and recesses;

* Remove excess patina using a clean cotton cloth, mainly in flat regions;

* use a dry brush to achieve a blur effect by extending the patina to the corners ;

* Let dry.