Understand the health and safety issues of every chemical used in the patination of your work.

Disposal of surplus chemicals must be done in an environmentally appropriate and legal manner therefore, purchase from reputable chemical suppliers and buy only as much chemical as required.

Adhere to recommended storage and handling procedures.

Always use the appropriate personal protective equipment when working with patination materials ie. rubber gloves, goggles, face shield, appropriate breathing masks etc.

When applying patinas with a torch, have the appropriate fire extinguisher ready at all times.

Chemicals sold in Canada must be accompanied by a WHIMIS safety data sheet. These sheets are very useful in helping the sculptor store and handle chemicals safely.

Preparing the Medal for Patination

The bronze is sand blasted with a fine aggregate after brushing away as much investment plaster as possible. After sand blasting, scrub the metal thoroughly with pumice and water. Repeat as often as necessary throughout the patination process to give the surface "bite" for the patina.

respirator is also required even when working outside. Protect your eyes and skin. Wear a face shield, rubber or heavy leather gloves, a respirator etc.

Heat the prepared bronze gently and evenly with a torch. Using a stiff bristled brush, apply small amounts of solution while keeping the metal hot enough to boil the liquid when it contacts the work. It takes dozens of applications of solution to hot metal to achieve an even deep brown colour. Often it is necessary to gently scrub the work with pumice as noted above.
When the desired colour has been achieved, wash gently and let dry.

Finishing the Bronze

When the medal has dried, wax it with a paste floor wax and buff to the desired gloss.