We were recently asked to clarify one of our descriptions which read in part: "original finish and patina." The customer asked if "finish" and "patina" were not the same thing. Great question, because the answer is, they can be. And it can be a little confusing.
Certain metals used in the structure of the vintage light fixture, such as bronze, brass, copper, or aluminum, are exposed to chemicals which darken the surface of the metal. The result of this process is called the patina. Different chemicals create different colors on the metal. Sometimes in the finishing of the fixture, the patina is removed on parts of the fixture to create contrast and highlights, as in the image above. Patina could also be used to describe the look on the surface of an antique lighting fixture created by time, exposure to smoke (cigarette, coal, wood), natural darking of the protective finish of wax or shellac, oil build up, residue from cleaning products, etc. A vintage fixture which had been patinated (patina) and its original color from the patina process is still intact is called its patina. If this same fixture still retains its original protective coating of say, shellac, this could be called as its original finish.
The above vintage fixture is solid bronze, which was darkened by the patina process, then the patina was selectively removed to create the wonderful contrast of light and dark. The protective finish, most likely shellac, has mellowed to impart a warm undertone to the entire fixture. This antique lighting fixture retains its original finish and patina.
If the vintage fixture was originally painted (no patina) this would be called its original finish, instead of calling this finish its patina.
Now if this painted fixture still has all the accumulated dust, oils, and discolorations from time, this could be called its patina, although it is usually just called its original finish (unlike furniture where this undisturbed condition is called its patina).
Certain metals used in the structure of the vintage light fixture, such as bronze, brass, copper, or aluminum, are exposed to chemicals which darken the surface of the metal. The result of this process is called the patina. Different chemicals create different colors on the metal. Sometimes in the finishing of the fixture, the patina is removed on parts of the fixture to create contrast and highlights, as in the image above. Patina could also be used to describe the look on the surface of an antique lighting fixture created by time, exposure to smoke (cigarette, coal, wood), natural darking of the protective finish of wax or shellac, oil build up, residue from cleaning products, etc. A vintage fixture which had been patinated (patina) and its original color from the patina process is still intact is called its patina. If this same fixture still retains its original protective coating of say, shellac, this could be called as its original finish.
The above vintage fixture is solid bronze, which was darkened by the patina process, then the patina was selectively removed to create the wonderful contrast of light and dark. The protective finish, most likely shellac, has mellowed to impart a warm undertone to the entire fixture. This antique lighting fixture retains its original finish and patina.
If the vintage fixture was originally painted (no patina) this would be called its original finish, instead of calling this finish its patina.
Now if this painted fixture still has all the accumulated dust, oils, and discolorations from time, this could be called its patina, although it is usually just called its original finish (unlike furniture where this undisturbed condition is called its patina).
Vintage light fixtures with a higher value are affected more by the condition of their original finish and patina than vintage light fixtures of lesser value. Quite often the condition of mid-range vintage fixtures is so deteriorated that the only way these vintage fixtures can be realistically used again is if they are completely refinished. In these cases this increases the value of vintage fixture.
We always prefer to retain original finish and patina when possible.
Listen to Your Eyes. PB
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