Copper Patina, my early days...

Back in 1999 through 2001 or so, I did all of the patina work on our copper sinks. I was a novice for sure. One of the things I was not aware of is that there were companies that sold solutions to patina copper. For the bowls of the sinks, I quickly determined that the interior of the bowl must look much like an old penny, as copper was most stable in that condition. It would always go back to that color range if disturbed. I found that applying vinegar, letting it dry, and doing this process over and over - using a sea sponge for a random pattern, would give the sink a gorgeous natural self-healing patina. The apron front could be done in the same manner. So, our sinks began to go out using this method, sometimes using a torch to speed up the process and offer some unique patterns. 

 In mid-2001, my curiosity led me to explore various materials that could interact with copper, creating distinctive patina effects. While I prefer to keep the specifics of these materials private, I discovered over two dozen unique products that held potential. After placing a substantial order later that year for these items, I unexpectedly received a call from Homeland Security. They expressed concerns about the nature of my purchase, noting that some materials were potentially hazardous. The ensuing conversation, where I tried to explain the concept of patina and the use of these materials in crafting a copper farm sink, turned rather humorous. In the end, they seemed somewhat entertained and simply cautioned me to exercise care in my endeavors. 

Careful I was. Special gloves, eyewear, and good ventilation or a special mask were used. We are using the same methods today and have had inquiries from patina artisans all over the world asking how we achieve such vibrant colors and textures. Well, that will continue to be my closely held secret. It turns out my early naivete and my propensity to think outside of the box turned out to be a home run for us.  We have been offering amazing patinas on the faces of our farm sinks with a clear coat that is amazingly durable. Check out the video below to see how durable our clear coat is. That sample has been hit hundreds of times with no chipping, and no cracking.

Durable topcoat