Patina Finish

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  • 1-CFS

  • 2-CCFSS

  • 3-CFM

  • 4-CMS

Patina finishes are sculptural patinas that form an enhanced oxidation on the surface. Different mineral oxides give different colors, and all continue to slowly oxidize, darkening over time. They are much more delicate than the underlying satin finish, and should only be used in low use situations, or by those who are looking for a start on a naturally aged finish.

Maintenance for “Patina” Finishes

Your vessel or accessory surface has a hand-applied patina, a “living finish,” created by a chemically-induced oxidation of the silicon bronze surface. The paste wax we use will allow the surface to continue evolving in response to its environment. Patina finishes are best for low use situations. With care, the finish is fairly stable, changing gradually over years.

Dangers to a Patina

The following products can damage the patina on your sink: toothpaste, sharp metal objects, carbonated beverages, corrosive household agents, lime and rust removal products, metal polishes.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance to a sink with a patina finish includes cleaning and waxing the interior, and keeping the basin dry after use. If the sink is in a room where it is seldom used, then minimal maintenance is required. As a general rule of thumb, keep the sink dry by wiping with a soft cloth after use. Apply paste wax frequently to prevent water spots from forming. Water spots from hard water left to dry on the sink cannot be removed without damage to the patina. In the event of any major incidents, refinishing is available, for details please contact the showroom where you purchased your sink.

Note: Usually the exterior of your sink will need no maintenance.

To Clean your Sink

  • Use a mild non-detergent soap between waxing.
  • NEVER use abrasives, metal polishes, or lime and rust removal products on your sink.

To Wax your Sink

  1. Apply wax to the dry clean interior surface with a soft cloth or towel, cover surface completely.
  2. Switch to a fresh cloth and continue wiping until wax dries, this insures a streak-free surface.

Frequency of wax application depends on use. As a general rule of thumb, apply as often as needed to keep water beading on the surface. Paste waxes contain a solvent that removes the previous layer of wax and also acts as a cleaning agent.

  • Johnson’s Paste Wax or Trewax- these work well and are readily available in most hardware stores.
  • Renaissance Wax Polish - while a little more costly, it dries quickly and is considered by restoration specialists to be the best wax, order online at www.conservationresources.com.
  • Carnuba based automotive paste waxes without polishing agents can also be used.

Alternatives

The patina can be removed altogether with a fine grade steel wool or green scotchbrite pad and copper polish (Wright’s Copper Cream works well). The surface under the patina is bronze, the same bronze that is offered without a patina. This surface can then be maintained in an unpatinaed state. Complete refinishing is available. For details please contact Wawirka or your showroom.