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Waxed patinated bronze surface oxidising

Q. Hi. I am in Brighton UK. I've been patinating 3mm (1/8") phosphor bronze plates approx. 3' square to go on an exterior library entrance. I have achieved a mottled red on black background with a solution of Potassium Sulphide, then Ferric (iii) oxide powder applied with very weak solution of Ferric nitrate, finished with approx. 3 layers of microcrystalline wax. Despite the usually reliable wax coating I am quite swiftly getting interspersed blooming, turning bright green overnight in an admittedly vast damp workshop. It wipes off easily but blooming, particularly white type, keeps returning.

61831-1a 61831-1b

The ferric oxide powder should be non-reactive. Can anyone offer solutions I can try? Deadline fast approaching!

Matt Borthwick
Metal Restorer/Finisher/Patinator - East Sussex UK
March 30, 2025

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