The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
  

  -----

ZINC GARDEN PLANTER BOX - WEATHERIZED PATINA

 

Our company is developing a line of garden planters made of Zinc. We would like to create an "weatherized" patina and also avoid any rusting problems. We have a photo of the patina used on other zinc planters so we know its possible, but are not sure how the patina is achieved. Could not locate the solution in archives. Any suggestions on how to achieve this patina would be apperciated, along with avoiding any rusting issues.

Thank you,

Scott Burdett
- Seattle, Washington

Hello Scott,

There are a couple of books on patinizing metals in finishing.com's literature section. Unless you are zinc plating steel, the "rust" zinc makes would be a chalky white residue. If you preserve your patina with a clear lacquer or wax, you shouldn't have any problems with oxidation for a while. Contact me if you would like to know some people that make and sell patina kits.

Good luck,

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

Bellwood, Illinois