
These colors represent a typical sequence. The natural cycle of copper weathering is depicted by the 12 sets of sequential colors. Timelines for Color changesĪccording to the Copper Development Association, the following timelines exist for the color changes that occur to natural weathering. Therefore, it enhances the durability and lifespan of copper roofing tiles and sheets. The sulfide and oxide films don’t provide much resistance to corrosion while the sulfate film provides strong resistance to all types of atmospheric corrosion as soon as it is fully formed. Three kinds of films form on exposed copper surfaces: sulfate, sulfide and progressive oxide. In each instance, the key factor affecting the patina is the amount of time that moisture and sulfur compounds interact with the exposed surface. And patinas form faster on sloping surfaces compared with those on vertical surfaces. Meanwhile, exposed horizontal copper surfaces develop their patinas faster than sloping surfaces. In dry regions, the basic patina may never be formed because of the extremely low atmospheric moisture. In the country and rural areas, where the level of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere is relatively low, the patina formation takes 10 to 14 years to attain a dominant stage. In coastal regions or heavy-industrial areas, the natural patina typically forms within five to seven years.

However, this is just a temporary color change that will be wash off from rain after a short time and the natural weathering process of the copper will continue. This film may produce a black or dark purple surface coloration shortly after it is installed and exposed to weather. In some copper mills, due to variable fabrication techniques, the surface of the flat or coiled sheet stock may be coated with a thin film of anti-stain oil. With continued exposure to moisture and other forces, the initial interference colors will give way a solid russet brown that is often called an oxidized or statuary finish. In the first few weeks of exposure, especially in a humid climate or in places with frequent rainfall, the surface of copper can dramatically change colors with the metal displaying streaks of pink, orange, red interwoven with yellow, blue, green and purple. You can learn more about the history of the word on the Mirriam-Webster Word of the Day Podcast. It can also refer to a more abstract “aura” surrounding a person, place, or thing. This suggests that it was originally a reference to the film that appears on copper cookware, but over the next few centuries, it expanded to include the protective film or gloss on other polished metals and even wood. The etymology of the word dates back to the 1700s, when Italians derived the word from the Latin for “pan” or “shallow dish”. Is it PAT-en-ah or pa-TEE-nah? Mirriam-Webster offers both pronounciations, but pa-TEE-nah seems to be the most common pronunciation these days, at least in the U.S.
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How do you say “patina”?įirst, the term patina isn’t a word you hear every day, so if you’re just encountering it for the first time, you might be wondering how to pronounce it. In this blog, we look at various colors and shades of patinas, the timelines for the color changes and why, over enough time, copper becomes bright green. The patina acts as a barrier protecting the copper underneath against corrosion. The different patinas are the reaction of copper with moisture oxygen and sulfur-based compounds. A colored film called a patina is formed on the copper surface. Whatever stage of its life, copper’s appearance changes when it is exposed to the elements.


And once it’s reached the end of its useful life, at least 90 percent of it can be recycled for reuse. About Copper PatinasĬopper is an extremely durable metal that withstands corrosion and retains its functional properties for up to 90 years.
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