Patina Library - Bollinger Atelier

What is Patina?

Patina forms naturally or is induced on metals like copper, bronze, and brass through oxidation or chemical processes. Typically green or blue-green, it’s valued for its aesthetic appeal. While it can be removed, many choose to preserve it for its unique character.

The term “patina” comes from the Italian patina (shallow layer of deposit), derived from Latin patina (pan or shallow dish). Figuratively, it refers to the signs of age on objects, often seen as natural or inevitable.

Patination is the process applying specific treatments to an object or piece of art to create that rich, aged finish.

Liver Ferric Patina

The Liver Ferric Patina, rooted in ancient metalworking, uses ferric compounds to create rust-like textures. Known for its brown tones and golden highlights, it adds a traditional, aged look to metal surfaces.

Our Liver Ferric Patinas are available in various densities (1-10, with 10 being the darkest) and transparencies. Variants include A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, and F1, with some featuring a liver base, and others without.

Our Patina Collection

We offer a range of patinas and surface treatments that can be personalized to fit the artist’s vision. From traditional chemical patinas to vibrant dyes and pigments, our finishes provide endless creative possibilities.

Our artisans bring expertise in both traditional and modern methods, helping you achieve your desired effect. Through flame and chemical applications, we create beautiful, dynamic hues that bring your artwork to life.

The final finish is crucial, and we ensure that every detail aligns with your vision.

Restoration Services

At Bollinger Atelier, we also specialize in restoring and repairing sculptures and architectural elements. Our team of artisans restores sculptures to their original beauty for individuals, cities, museums, and private collections.

Founded in 1977 and led by sculptor Tom Bollinger, Arizona Bronze Sculpture Restoration through Bollinger Atelier offers expert services in repair, patination, waxing, and maintenance. We work on-site or in our studio, depending on the project needs.

A1

French Brown

A very dark and rich brown that almost appears black at a distance, or in low light.

A2

Black Iron Oxide Black Raven

“Desert Raven” A very rich black onyx-like patina. It is not only beautiful, it's extremely durable outdoors.

A3

Cupric Blue-Green

Heavy application of Cupric Nitrate allows for a bold blue/green hue. Great for outdoors.

A4

Rusty Red Stippled

A Ferric and Titanium based patina stippled to mimic a rusty red-orange stone appearance.

A finished sculpture in an organic corkscrew pattern with rippled texture, cast in bronze and finished with a shiny high polish.

A5

High Polished

Our expert artisans polish bronze to a mirror-like finish. Best for indoor sculptures and requires post care.

B1

Dark Liver Ferric

A rich, warm brown that is darker in recesses and lighter when rubbed back in raised areas.

B2

M20 Highlight

An almost black patina that is rubbed back to expose the texture in your sculpture.

B3

Cupric Blue-Green

Same as A3 with a lighter stippled application, allowing for more dark areas. Great for outdoors.

B4

Gold Flash from Kippers Book

A beautiful stippled patina with rich reds from a strong Ferric solution and specs of iridescent silver from a few crystals of Silver Nitrate.

B5

M20 High Polish

High polished bronze is quickly saturated in M20 to create an amazing dark blue iridescent hue and sealed. Only applicable for smaller sculptures.

C1

Dark/Med Liver Ferric

A slightly lighter version of B1, with the same rich brown offerings. This patina stays a bit lighter in recessed areas.

C2

Bismuth M20

Black with highlights. An almost black patina with subtle white patterns that can be rubbed back to expose the texture in your sculpture. Color density 8.