First, the furniture frame is made. We generally use poplar, pine,
beech and lime wood. At this stage it is considered “in the raw”
or unfinished.
The frame is covered with several layers of traditional white gesso
and sanded. The gessoing was a crucial part of Italian furniture
production in the 18th C when different woods and grains were
combined in the same piece. It acts as a primer and provides a
uniform surface for the paint application.
Next, the piece goes to the artists who apply the base color and
carefully hand paint the decoration.
With this step completed, the distressing process begins. The
base paint and decoration are partially obliterated or removed
to different degrees (light, standard, heavy) in strategic areas.
Depending on the amount of base paint and decoration
removed, there will be more or less gesso showing through, giving
the effect of more or less wear and use.
Lastly, comes the aging process, which consists mainly of the
application of a variety of darkening solutions and varnishes.
These varnishes not only tone down the exposed gesso, reducing
the contrast between the white of the gesso and the base color,
but they also give the piece an overall patina as though it had
been in existence for centuries. Just as in the distressing process,
there are different degrees of aging (light, standard, heavy)
and the more aging solution applied to the finish, the more it
can affect the paint colors. The level of distressing and aging
on Patina pieces is generally moderate or “standard” unless
otherwise specified either by Patina or the customer.
In closing, it is important to keep in mind that all these stages are
done by hand and so some allowances must be made for the
slight variations that can occur from piece to piece.
Even changes in weather and temperature during any of these
processes can alter the end results. But in an effort to keep
variations to a minimum and live up to the expectations of our
customers, our artists will make adjustments to their techniques
depending on the conditions. However, we think you will agree
with us that any slight differences that might occur are only a
verification of the uniqueness of the art involved in each piece
Patina’s furniture not only has the look and feel of the 18th century
original, it is also made in a very similar way. This includes traditional
gesso, paint and other surface applications. To preserve this
overall antique look and maximize your enjoyment of the furniture,
reasonable care should be taken with the original painted finish.
We advise:
As with any fine furniture, avoid placing your Patina pieces near
or on top of heating or cooling outlets, such as vents or radiators.
Extreme heat or air-conditioning can have a damaging effect, as
can excessive moisture or dryness. Painted furniture will always do
better in a humid atmosphere than a dry atmosphere. As a general
rule, maintain a moderate climate at all times..When cleaning or
dusting, only use a soft dry cloth or a feather duster. To obtain best
results when dusting or removing unwanted stain, use a slightly damp
(not wet) chamois leather cloth.
Avoid all contact with furniture polishes, sprays and water, especially
any puddling from a plant or cold glass.
Take care while moving or using your furniture. Because of the gesso
covering, a hard knock or scrape could result in damage to the painted
surface. However, the overall look of your furniture should actually be
enhanced by general everyday use and aging.
Treat your furniture as if it were a fine fabric or an authentic antique
- with respect. In this way, you will continue to enjoy the 18th C look
and feel of your Patina Fine Painted Furniture for many years to come.
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