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Creating patina on vintage metal seam roofing

March 19, 2013

Q. My home was built in the late 1940's and has a great metal seam "portico" over the main doorway. It is black metal seam. My roof is new and is blue! These two greatly clash and I want to preserve the original metal seam without replacing it. It is small, but quaint. I have thought about adding a patina to the metal seam to lessen the contrast between the black and the blue roof. I have several questions:

1. How do I find out exactly what type of metal was used for the portico? It does not have an existing aged "patina" - it is plain black but old.

2. I'm thinking a patina towards the blue-green would look great. What is the best way to do this over the black? (especially since the metal does not appear to be copper). I know there are all kinds of "kits" available but most seem to apply to jewelry makers etc.

I'm emailing a pic of my home so you can get a better idea. :)

Bethany Fields
Home Owner - Amarilo, Texas, United States

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