A Question About Sealing Patina

by Alexis Miller
(Pittsburgh, PA)

This patina question doesn't apply to stained glass -- not sure if that's an issue with this website. However, I've used Novacan Black to age bronze bathroom hardware (towel racks, etc.) and then sealed with paste wax after dry. This worked well in the 1/2 bath...because there is no significant humidity because there is no shower. But in the full bathroom with shower, the paste wax did not seem to seal the hardware. Every time the humidity builds up (which is often -- old house with no exhaust fan), the patina will slightly reactivate with the water and start to produce a greenish finish.

Is there anything that I can do to "seal" the patina in order to keep the humidity from causing additional reaction?

Or, is there a different product that I should be using to produce an oil-rubbed bronze / blackish finish?

Answer

Since I only work with stained glass, I honestly can't answer your question with any authority. But here is a suggestions. Re-wax when the patina begins to oxidize. The wax should clean it up. You didn't say what brand paste wax you use, but I'd suggest using a pure carnauba wax. Mother's brand is an excellent one and you can get it at most car accessory stores. I know that NAPA carries it.

As far as sealing the patina, nothing that I know of will seal it permanently. High humidity will cause it to oxidize quicker than anything else.