Patination can be responsible for the make or break of a piece first the suitable selection of patination must be chosen and then the piece is heated up to approximately 180c tested with a quick squirt of distilled water if at the correct temperature the water hitting the piece will sizzle, at this point the patineur will know that the necessary chemicals can be applied, normally multi layered to produce a rich deep finish. Whilst still warm, wax is normally applied to seal the piece the next day it can be lightly polished to produce the finished piece.
We can and often do experiment with finishes specifically for clients, a recent recipe developed for Vanessa Pooley on an aluminium casting resulted in a cast iron appearance with light rust like highlights, a very interesting finish. We are also happy to offer commercial patination as a service to architects, designers and conservation applications.