What Is Patina? The Beautiful Art of Controlled Chaos
Patina. It’s a word that rolls off the tongue like poetry and coats metal like magic.
And it is all around us: on the weathered green of an old statue, the mysterious darkening on an antique candlestick, or the rich, rusty tones of a wrought iron gate. If you've seen objects like this, you deserve congratulations! You’ve experienced the world of patina.
In the simplest terms, patina is the change that occurs on a metal surface over time. Sometimes this happens naturally, courtesy of air, moisture, and time. And sometimes (especially if you're in the design world), we give nature a little nudge. Patina brings depth, character, and often a story to metal surfaces. And let’s be honest: sometimes it brings a bit of drama too.
There are at least three common types of patination: verdigris, antiquing, and rust.
Verdigris is that blue-green colour you’ll spot on copper or bronze.
Antiquing gives metal a timeworn look, accentuating details by darkening recesses.
Rust (yes, we actually invite rust!) gives steel or iron that rich, textured, orange-red finish.
Each of these deserves its own spotlight. Please don’t worry, they’re getting one. But for now, think of them as the triple threat in the theatre of metal finishes.
Working with patina is part art, part science and part mystery
Now here’s the twist: working with patina is part art, part science, and part "why is this doing something completely different than yesterday?" Ambient temperature, humidity, and possibly even what you had for breakfast can impact the final result. One day it’s dreamy, the next it’s moody. But that’s half the fun (and occasionally half the frustration).
At Metalier, we’ve embraced both the magic and the mystery. Our patinas are specially formulated to work seamlessly with our Metalier liquid metals, so you can spend less time battling chemistry and more time enjoying the transformation. Whether you’re after subtle sophistication or bold contrast, there’s a patina—and a Metalier patina, at that—for the job.
So the next time you see a beautifully aged surface, give a little nod to patina: the ultimate collaborator in turning plain metal into a masterpiece. And give a nod to Metalier too by email or completing the form below.
Liquid Metal UK - re-introduction!
Liquid Metal UK -reintroduction is about it continuing in the safe hands of Granlyn Specialist Coatings.
In fact Liquid Metal UK has always been in Granlyn’s capable hands. In 2023 the business changed hands. The new owner and big boss is now Graham O’Neill. Graham has over 40 years of experience in the distribution of specialist coatings and is very excited about the development of the Metalier brand in the UK. Graham says “I was aware of Metalier through the previous owners of the business and have always been impressed with both the quality of the product and the endless potential. We don’t do boundaries. Only finishes.”
Architects & Designers choose Liquid Metal UK
Granlyn’s customers include Architects, Design Houses, Manufacturers, and Specifiers – all of whom are looking for inspirational products that can satisfy their customers’ requirements, and this is where Metalier fits the bill.
Granlyn, as Liquid Metal UK, can also apply Metalier if required
As well as the supply of Metalier products across the UK, Granlyn can complete in-house jobs where clients require this. Nigel ‘Ted’ Dexter is Granlyn’s Technical Manager and is responsible for the technical support of Metalier and the production of the in-house jobs.
Ted and Metalier go way back—he’s practically part of the formula!
And what’s the go for 2025?
Granlyn exhibited at the Surface Design Show in London, in February to showcase Metalier’s revolutionary water-based system. If you don’t know about the water-based system, you should. It’s a game changer.
Contact Graham
or Ryan
to learn about the waterbased system or to put Ted to the challenge.