patination
Gradual oxidation film
Patination is the process by which a patina forms on a surface—the gradual development of a weathered coating through age, oxidation, or chemical treatment.
The term applies especially to metals like bronze and copper, which develop distinctive green or brown films over time: The statue's patination took decades to achieve.
Patination can occur naturally or be artificially accelerated for aesthetic effect.
Losing electrons chemically
- corrosionChemical wearing away
- tarnishOxidation discoloration on metal
- rustIron oxide coating
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
electrochemical · anodizing · galvanic · reactive · copper · bronze · metalwork · surface
Copper-tin alloy
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
- statueThree-dimensional sculpted likeness
- monumentStructure honoring someone remembered
- rooftopBuilding's top exterior surface
dome · architectural · ornamental · fountain · memorial · figurative · casting · Rodin
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
- wearCarry on person
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- time-wornEroded by age
- vintageQuality from past eras
senescence · maturity · ancient · degradation · mellowing · natural · gradual · accumulated
Surface hue arrangement
- finishBring to completion
- surfaceOutermost boundary layer
- sheenSoft surface luster
- matteNon-reflective surface finish
glossy · variegation · iridescence · texture · grain · worn · brushed · luster
Returning something to condition
- preservationMaintaining something's condition
- stabilizationProcess of becoming steady
- protectiveServing to guard
- waxingCoating for shine
sealing · cleaning · maintenance · reversible · documentation · authenticity · original · historic
oxidation
Losing electrons chemically
weathering · electrochemical · anodizing · galvanic · reactive · copper · bronze · metalwork · surface · layer
bronze
Copper-tin alloy
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
- statueThree-dimensional sculpted likeness
- monumentStructure honoring someone remembered
rooftop · dome · architectural · ornamental · fountain · memorial · figurative · casting · Rodin · turquoise
weathering
Atmospheric breakdown of materials
vintage · senescence · maturity · ancient · degradation · mellowing · natural · gradual · accumulated · centuries
coloration
Surface hue arrangement
matte · glossy · variegation · iridescence · texture · grain · worn · brushed · luster · tone
restoration
Returning something to condition
- preservationMaintaining something's condition
- stabilizationProcess of becoming steady
- protectiveServing to guard
waxing · sealing · cleaning · maintenance · reversible · documentation · authenticity · original · historic · museum
artificial
Made, not natural
antiquing · finishing · colorant · solution · controlled · intentional · gilding · bronzing
patinationcorrosion
Chemical wearing away
decay · rust · deterioration · degradation · pitting
patinationnewness
State of being recent
mint condition · polished surface · freshness · restoration · refinishing