Patinated Metal

In our collections we work mostly with Brass, Copper, Aluminium and Corten Steel. The U&u metal workshop is geared up to treat these metals in order to encourage the natural growth of patina. We do this through creating direct reactions on the metal surface with different solutions and acids (like vinegar) or by creating sealed environments in which the fumes of these acids can attack the surface, causing patina to grow.

Patina has different colours and patterns that depend on the unique experience that each metal has. Copper would usually take months to get patinated depending on the environmental conditions (the reaction between water and oxygen in contact with the metal) but we accelerate this process in our workshop.
~ Copper becomes Blue-Green once patinated, this is often called verdigris.
~ Brass creates a Brown-Black protective patina, sometimes with blue speckles.
~ Corten steel grows a layer of Rust.

We love to work with the qualities of each raw material, natural solid metals like copper, brass and steal grow a beautiful colour through ageing but controlling this process in the workshop is a beautiful alchemy.
We create an ageing atmosphere for our metals, resulting in vivid brass patina, copper verdigris and brown rust on steal.

Patinas are uneven and unpredictable but give the final piece a truly unique style!

Our patinas are 100% real, this means they are grown on the surface on the metals and not controllable or even. They are uneven, aged and tarnished surfaces which give the pieces a graceful antique feel not to mention brilliant colours ranging from vivid verdigris to deep blacks and hues of blue and powdery rust.

We finish this ageing process by using a natural wax on the surface and buffing this off, thus ensuring less oxygen gets to the metal and the powder of the patina is sealed under this layer of clear wax. Each bowl is unique!