Patination definition

Patination is the enhancement of bronze by applying color to it through a chemical process.  The majority of patinas are created from the three water soluble compounds of cupric nitrate (creates greens and blues), ferric nitrate (creates browns and reds) and sulphurated potash (creates black).  A knowledgeable patineur is able to create a number of colors, both opaque and transparent.  When the bronze is finished, a patineur will place a coat of clear wax over the bronze to improve and keep intact the patina.