Step 1: Clean
Caution should be exercised throughout process – wear safety goggles and gloves. Place newspaper or drop cloth over plants to prevent damage. It is best to install fixtures first, then apply solution.
Clean fixture with soft cloth and Windex®-type cleaner. This is to remove oil and dirt.
Step 2: Spray
Spray Windex®-type cleaner on fixture to break surface tension. Do not wipe off – proceed to next step.
Step 3: Prepare
Combine the following ingredients in spray bottle:
- 2 parts white vinegar
- 1 1/2 parts non-detergent ammonia
- 1/2 part non-iodized salt
Step 4: Apply
Apply patina solution (made in step 3) by spraying onto fixture, preferably in the early evening on a high-humidity night.
Allow first coat to set, then reapply solution observing where you missed applying on the first coat. If there seems to be oil that is repelling the patina solution, clean it off with the Windex cleaner.
Step 5: Cover
Allow to sit overnight. In low humidity desert areas, use a plastic bag to create a tent over fixture (without making contact with it) to help keep the humidity high during curing. If there is a low moisture in the air, the solution will dry out without creating the patina effect.
Step 6: Admire
The resulting patina will be an earth-toned mix of browns and greens. Do not rub off. In time (and reapplication) this finish will become permanent. The brightness will fade with time. To reduce green, cut back on the salt content.
NOTE: Color and effect is greatly affected by application ambient temperature and humidity.
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