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What Are the Differences Between Rust vs Patina

May 23, 2022 By Kurt Gorman Leave a Comment

Rust is a reddish-brown oxide coating that forms on iron and steel when they are exposed to oxygen and moisture. Patina is a green or blue-green film that forms on copper and bronze when they are exposed to air and moisture.

Rust is caused by the reaction of iron with oxygen in the presence of water. The water molecules break down the oxygen molecules into their component atoms, which then combine with the iron to form rust.

Patina is caused by the reaction of copper or bronze with sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide in the air. These gases react with the metal to form a thin layer of copper sulfate, copper nitrate, or copper carbonate on the surface of the metal.

Rust is a corrosion product and patina is a protective film.

Both rust and patina can be removed with chemical cleaners, but they will eventually reform if the metal is not protected from the environment. Rust can be prevented by coating iron and steel with a layer of paint or oil. Patina can be prevented by coating copper and bronze with a layer of lacquer or varnish.

How to prevent rust

Contents show
1 How to prevent rust
2 How to prevent patina
3 How to create a patina finish
4 How to create a rust finish
5 Examples of products with a rust or patina finish

Rust can be prevented by coating iron and steel with a layer of paint or oil. This will create a barrier between the metal and the oxygen and water in the air. The paint or oil will also prevent the iron from coming into contact with other metals that could cause it to rust.

How to prevent patina

Patina can be prevented by coating copper and bronze with a layer of lacquer or varnish. This will create a barrier between the metal and the sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide in the air. The lacquer or varnish will also prevent the copper from coming into contact with other metals that could cause it to form a patina.

Patina Decor

How to create a patina finish

A patina finish can be created by exposing copper or bronze to air and moisture. This will cause the metal to react with the sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide in the air to form a thin layer of copper sulfate, copper nitrate, or copper carbonate on the surface of the metal.

How to create a rust finish

A rust finish can be created by exposing iron or steel to oxygen and moisture. This will cause the metal to react with the oxygen in the air to form a reddish-brown oxide coating on the surface of the metal.

Examples of products with a rust or patina finish

There are many products that are made with a rust or patina finish. Some examples of products with a rust finish include iron fences, steel gutters, and cast iron pans. Some examples of products with a patina finish include copper roofs, bronze statues, and brass door knockers.

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About Kurt Gorman

Kurt Gorman is a 43-year-old Auto Body Painter that prepares vehicles to be painted and apply paint coats for touch-up repairs or just to satisfy a customer's desire to change the car's color. Read More.

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