Types of Patina: How to Make + 70 Photos to Inspire You
Wooden furniture is very durable and, over time, ends up getting worn out or outdated. But the quality remains intact and we cannot afford to lose a piece of furniture with this characteristic. So, it is worth investing in a fast and inexpensive restoration technique, such as the different types of patina, which will enhance the look of the objects.
This painting technique is very old and resembles the look of the patina on wooden or metal furniture. To get to know it better, we have selected tips, inspirations and tutorials. Check and revitalize items transforming your look!
What is patina?
Patina is an old technique that continues to please many people. Originally, it was a chemical compound that formed naturally on the surface of metallic objects due to the action of weather and climate. Because of its attractive appearance, French artisans and artists from the 17th century began to reproduce it.
Its peak in Brazil was in the 1990s and, for a time, it was gone. However, it has returned and is redesigned and much more modern.
The technique consists of applying layers of paint to the wood and then sanding it to make it appear, giving the impression that the furniture is worn out. It can also appear on walls, doors, door frames and even floors. And it is important to note that there is not only one type of patina, so the final result will depend on how the application was made.
Types of patina
There are 5 main types of patina and what differs each one is the application technique that directly interferes with the final result. We have the Provencal patina, the Mexican, the colorful, the demolition and the washed or satin patina.
1- Provencal patina
The Provencal style patina is the best known of all and was the first type created in the world. It is the simplest to be done, since the entire surface of the furniture is painted and the worn effect remains on the corners and edges where it will be sanded.
Another striking feature of this type is that the painting is always done in white or light color. Therefore, the effect is delicate and even romantic. Perfect for environments with a more peaceful touch or to balance environments with a striking decoration that seeks a balance.
2- Demolition patina
The demolition patina has the most rustic look. For this reason, it is perfect to be applied to solid wood furniture with a farm or country touch. Unlike the Provencal style, this model uses bright colors to create the patina effect.
3- Colorful patina
The colored patina has no color restrictions and is usually made with vivid and striking tones. It is indicated for furniture that needs a special touch and combines with cheerful and fun decorations. Create an environment where it is the center of attention or use it to highlight a room that needs a focus of color.
4- Mexican patina
The Mexican patina also uses a lot of color, the difference is that the colors are applied mixed in the bottom of the piece. The most used tones are variations of yellow, orange and red. To give the finish, usually, lighter and softer colors are used to balance.
5- Washed patina or satin
The washed patina, also known as Satiné, somewhat resembles the Provencal style for being made with softer colors. It is usually done with tone on tone. The application consists of diluting the paint in water leaving it very watery to give the impression that the furniture was washed by the paint, that’s why it gets that name.
Tips for making patina at home
Two essential steps of the patina are cleaning and sanding the part. Therefore, make sure you have completely sanded the furniture and wipe it thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth before receiving the paint layer.
To apply the patina, make sure that all finish with varnish, lacquer or paint has been removed completely. If necessary, use the correct remover for each product.
The drying time is essential and must be respected. The most used paints are the PVA type, synthetic enamels based on water or paint suitable for handicrafts.
The finish should be done with fine sandpaper, use it delicately to highlight the edges, corners and the reliefs of the wood.
5 videos of how to make the different types of patina
Now that you know what the main types of patina are, how about learning how to make them at home? We have selected detailed tutorials with step-by-step instructions for each one. Check out:
1- How to make Provencal patina
With this tutorial, you will learn how to make the traditional Provencal patina with white and non-yellow paint. There are few processes, super simple to do and the result is very worthwhile. Check it out!
2- How to make washed patina
Here’s how to make a tray using the washed patina technique. The plus of this piece is the technique of how to apply the tile in the center of the object. Check out!
3- How to make colorful patina
This colorful patina is made with school gouache paint. The application is made with dish sponge and the scratches imitating wood were made with soldering iron that gives the appearance of the board’s partitions.
4- How to make Mexican patina
To do this step by step, you will need a wooden heart from pallet or MDF, PVA paints of different colors, PVA paint in white or straw colors, colorless paste wax, decorative phrases, sandpaper 80 or 100 and varnish.
5- How to make demolition patina
This demolition patina has a blue background and has a charming result. Check out the tutorial and learn how to do the cat jump.
70 pictures of patina types to get inspired
Viewing ready-made items can be the little push you needed to adopt furniture with patina in your decor. So, we’ve selected 70 charming projects that will encourage you to do this technique at home. Check it out and get inspired!
1- A whole dining room made with patina, even in the mirror frame on top of the buffet
2- The perfect blend of mosaic and patina to have a modern and stylish piece of furniture
3- A refurbished piece of furniture to bring life to any corner of your home
4- The reformed frame turns into a beautiful decorative piece that does not even need a frame inside
5- Coffee time is much better with a sideboard full of charm and redone with patina
6- The union of wood and iron is very high in the universe of interior decoration
7- The patina in lighter tones is the most famous, known as the Provencal patina and brings extra charm to any space
8- Patinated remodeled furniture gains a more rustic look, is elegant and can be used in all rooms of the house
9- Patina can be applied to decorative objects, such as this wonderful plant pot
10- Combine the colored patina with the demolition patina to have a stylish space
11- That special old touch that brings vintage style into your home
12- The important thing is to create harmony between the refurbished furniture and the other elements present in the space
13- The white patina composes clean environments with mastery
14- That old furniture can have a new look after the patina is applied, without losing the vintage style
15- In this environment, the demolition patina dictates the style of the decoration, transforming the worn one into an elegant one.
16- The wooden screen, in addition to receiving the Provencal patina, also received painted flowers to make it more beautiful
17- The patina can be applied to the floor and looks wonderful combined with more modern decorations
18- Do you know that old bank? Give it a new look and a new use for it
19- The perfect combination of modern elements and elements with an old look
20- Furniture with charm is the true definition of charm
21- The colorful patina is cheerful and fun, perfect for relaxed environments
22- The colored patina can be applied in a single color or with several colors, as is the case with this bench
23- The demolition patina is striking and the idea is to make it the main attraction of the room
24- A corner with vintage style to make your home very charming
25- Look how interesting the patina applied to the wall, brings a cozy touch to the environment
26- It is possible to come up with a different shade, as is the case with this wonderful purple closet
27- That antique china cabinet can get modern touches when painted with a colorful patina
28- The white patina is elegant, stylish and brings tranquility, everything a room needs
29- Style is not lacking in this room where the colorful patina was applied to the wall
30- Another proof that the light tones applied to the wood guarantee calm and tranquility
31- The real proof that what is good can improve, and a lot!
32- Have you considered running away from traditional bathroom sinks? The room was styled with this sideboard used with a new utility
33- The pink furniture can be used in the studio, in the girl’s children’s room and even in the living room
34- A striking piece, can have even more presence when redesigned in an elegant tone
35- A chair of each color to have a relaxed and charming dining room
36- The furniture made with demolition wood is super high and will make your home charming
37- One more idea of how to use pink and transform an old piece of furniture with patina
38- Patina furniture combines with outdoor areas and brings extra charm to the garden, leisure area and much more
39- How about this other way of replacing the sink with a refurbished old piece of furniture?
40- Even the traditional piano can be restored with a colorful patina to make it more playful
41- Even in small proportions, the patina can change the look of your home
42- The wear and tear of this furniture is its true charm
43- As is the case with this other piece of furniture that set the tone for the decoration of this environment
44- To have more charm, make the drawers with a different color from the rest of the furniture
45- The lightest home office with furniture as elegant as this one
46- The perfect coffee table to have a delicate decoration where style is not lacking
47- Combine your furniture made with patina with other wooden elements to have a striking area
48- The light blue is very delicate and looks amazing combined with other furniture with soft tones
49- A piece of furniture all worked to brighten this corner of the room
50- Even the bed entered the wave of the patina
51- The junction of demolition wood and patina is accurate and guarantees a lot of elegance to the dining set
52- An almost entire corner made of patina, it’s pure charm, isn’t it?
53- Very old and striking to break the monotony of white walls and windows
54- Create a composition of more than one piece of furniture remade with patina
55- The transformation of a spool into a table is already incredible, with the addition of the patina it became even more wonderful
56- The special touch that this external area needed is in the redone with the patina
57- A respectable cabinet for an elegant dining room
58- Another suggestion of a cabinet with that old and elegant touch
59- Colorful, creative and fills the eyes
60- Everything combining in this space, an entire decoration alternating between white and pink
61- A very modern mirror to contrast with the old furniture
62- Impossible not to fall in love with this piece of furniture with a colorful patina in this elegant shade of green
63- Simple, but full of charm, right?
64- The perfect piece of furniture to rest after a busy day at work
65- A lighter shade of green that brings a very interesting visual comfort
66- Never throw away furniture, transform it to have a new look and leave your home with a new decor
67- A stylish composition, the patina can be applied to furniture and paintings
68- A respectable headboard
69- The coffee table in this room gained all the attention just for her
70- A very creative composition of the bed in lighter tones and the side table in a colorful patina
There are several types of patina and they all guarantee a new look for your wooden furniture. The application is not complicated, but it requires attention and care. With our tips and instructions, you will be able to create an elegant and charming piece of furniture. Take advantage of the inspirations we have selected to compose a stylish decoration that enhances your newly made furniture!