While lots of materials these days get thrown away because of wear and tear, Dauby’s door knobs only get more beautiful with age. Long-term use and exposure to air gives the quality materials from which they are made a lovely patina. As the years pass, Dauby’s door knobs look more and more lavish and authentic.
What is patina?
Patina is a thin corrosion layer which over time forms on copper and copper alloys such as bronze. It is the result of oxidation due to exposure to air and moisture such as the sweat of your hands. Depending on the material and the acidity of its environment, a patina’s color varies from green to dark brown.
As patina forms gradually, it can take up to decades before it achieves its final color. The discoloration is an interesting process to witness over the years, not to mention the reason why we like to say our products have a living finish.
Speaking more generally, patina also refers to other types of weathering that cause materials to change over the years.
Enjoying your door fittings for years to come
When choosing your door handles, be sure to take into account the way the material will evolve over time. Dauby uses different types of bronze, each of which eventually gets a different patina.
- White Bronze tends to retain its original color quite well, but the silver-like hue does get a matte corrosion layer after a while.
- Satin White Bronze is made of the same alloy, but already comes with a matte patina. Repeated use gives the material a soft shimmer.
- Natural Bronze and Light Bronze are less color-proof. The patina is matte and quite dark, and can takes decades before turning completely dark brown. Of course, if you prefer your door knobs lighter you can easily clean off the patina with a soft cloth and some brass polish.
- Dark Bronze, Verde Imperiale and Old Green are oxidized from the beginning and have a dark brown to green patina. The more you handle your door knobs, the lighter the bronze becomes, creating fascinating color differences.
- Raw Bronze has not been polished and has a warm, reddish hue. The material eventually gets a slight shine, but the color remains intact.
Curious to see our natural materials and their unique patina with your own eyes? Visit our showroom in Wommelgem near Antwerp, and don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.