Patina: 300 Coloration Effects for Jewelers & Metalsmiths

602 Pages·2014·19.9 MB·English

by  Runfola

PATINA
300+ Coloration Effects for
Jewelers & Metalsmiths
Matthew Runfola
Contents
Introduction
About this book
CHAPTER 1
Metal coloration in context
Coloration gallery
CHAPTER 2
Safety, tools, and workspace
Finishing studio layout
Tools, equipment, and workspace
CHAPTER 3
Aesthetic decisions
The importance of the finish
Observing
Recording
Color theory
Comparing common metals
CHAPTER 4
Choosing and controlling coloration methods
Choosing a coloration method
Comparing coloration processes
Variables affecting colorations
Metal surface protection
CHAPTER 5
Surface preparation and colorant application
Surface preparation: mechanical cleaning
Surface preparation: chemical cleaning
Preparing colorant solutions
Heat oxidation coloration
Immersion application: cold
Immersion application: hot
Brush application: cold
Spray application: cold
Hot application
Wrap and bury applications
Fume application
Masking
Burnishing
Layering
CHAPTER 6
Patination directory
Steel
Stainless steel
Aluminum
Copper
Brass 230 and 260
Bronze 220 and 655
Sterling silver
Colorant formulas
Glossary
Index
Credits
Suppliers
Copyright
Introduction
In 2003 I was in my second year of what now has been a 12-year
teaching position at the Evanston Art Center, located just north of
Chicago, Illinois. The Metal Sculpture Department had a rebirth of
sorts, and we were looking to expand the courses we offered our
students. Most in our shop were working with fabricated steel and
looking for finishing alternatives to rust, paint, or bare metal. I
brought in Ron Young of Sculpt Nouveau to teach a ferrous metal
finishing workshop at the school. This is how I became involved in
the world of metal patination.
For me, patination is the right balance of science and art and it
satisfies my dual-minded persona. Though I trained as a mechanical
engineer I decided to delve into art full-time to better fulfill my
creative ambitions. I enjoyed playing “mad” chemist with the various
colorants while applying them in a meaningful, artistic manner to my
colorants while applying them in a meaningful, artistic manner to my
objects. I immersed myself in the field: reading, sharing with other
artists, and experimenting. For a time, metal patination was the most
important part of my work. My fabricated forms were merely a
vehicle or surface to display the colorations on. I became, and still am,
a painter with chemicals. I love the ability to be expressive not just
with the form, but with the finish as well. In 2004 I launched Runfola
Studios, which focuses on patinated contemporary metal furnishings
and accessories.
MATTHEW RUNFOLA
From above
Color and color pattern take center stage on this wall hanging (90 × 42in/229 ×
107 cm), transforming a static two-dimensional triptych into a flowing
continuum. The use of masked and layered patinas, pigments, and dyes give
visual depth and a sense of movement to the panels.
Today, I continue to teach, create, exhibit, and sell both sculptural
and functional objects and perform metal finishing services for other
artists and artisans. I teach metal finishing workshops that focus on
the fundamentals of the patination process, with methods to
personalize the colorations to the object at hand. I hope I have
achieved those same goals in this book. Happy patinating to you all!
achieved those same goals in this book. Happy patinating to you all!
About this book
Structure
Chapter 1: Metal coloration in context
There are a multitude of different patination and coloration effects that
can be applied to metals. This part features examples of work by the
best jewelers and metalsmiths working with colored metals, and
compares their methods and approaches.
Chapter 2: Safety, tools, and workspace
An in-depth discussion on the tools and equipment used for metal
colorations, and how to set up a safe and efficient workspace.
Chapter 3: Aesthetic decisions
This chapter delves into the many factors influencing the metalsmith’s
decision about what coloration to use.
Chapter 4: Choosing and controlling coloration methods
Numerous elements can influence the overall outcome of the
coloration result within the basic process chosen. Runfola covers the
variables that can be controlled, easily or not so easily, so the jeweler
can obtain the overall look and feel he/she requires. The base metal
composition and surface quality, the coloration and application
methods chosen, and the final metal protection method are covered.
Different coloration methods are compared in this chapter to enable choices to
be made.
Chapter 5: Surface preparation and colorant application
This section discusses and compares the most common, accessible
coloration techniques, including patinas, pigments, dyes, and heat
tempering, with notes on durability of each finish. The core
techniques for applying coloration to the metal surface are explained
using large format step-by-step pictures. Health and safety is an
important aspect of these techniques and precautions that should be
taken for each technique are fully explained.