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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Gold-Look (non-plated) finish over cast bronze

I've read over your postings and links on patination of bronze, etc, and have also read three books on metals patination, including Young and Hughes/Rowe -- and emerge with this unanswered question:

We are a mfgr of high polishes and rough (non-polished) decorative castings (85% copper bronze alloys) and want to achieve antique gold and antique silver type finishes. Patination gives us the best variegated, non-uniform, old-looking finish we want for other "colors", though we are willing to try anything. Topically applied water solutions of AgNO3 gives us the silver look, but find no references to AuNO3.

Suggestions?

Many thanks.

Jim Rubens
Crotix - Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
2001

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Dear Jim,

A dyed lacquer might help. You can put it on right over the existing patinas (as long as they aren't too rough) and will help your bronzes from oxidizing as quickly. Feel free to contact me if you'd like more information.

Sincerely,

Jake Koch
G. J. Nikolas &Co.,Inc.

Bellwood, Illinois

2001