Finishes

Satin Finish
This is a fine brushed finish with a directional grain and one of the standard finishes on all my sundials. When new it will be bright but will darken as it ages to a dull brass tone with spaterings of brown and green dependent on the local environment. A degree of brightness and lustre can be maintained by applying coats of beeswax polish.

Bronze Finish
The bronze finish is applied to the satin brass using a traditional bronze toning powder. The darkness of the bronze finish depends on the strength of the powder solution and how many applications are worked into the material. A beeswax based polish is applied to keep a degree of lustre on the finish. The finish can be cleaned with soapy water and further coats of Beeswax applied.
Beeswax & turpentine polishes are made by Leberon and can be purchased at Brewers.
The formidable bronze entrances found all around the city of London were originally coloured using this process.

Clear Lacquered Finish
A clear lacquered finish will maintain the original brightness of the satin finish. The effect of sunlight will gradually darken the finish over time but a good degree of the original brightness will remain until the lacquer itself begins to crack and break up; anything from 2 to 10 years depending on local weather and environment.
The finish should only ever be cleaned with soapy water. Never use polish or abrasives on the lacquer as you will damage and remove the finish.

Black Bronze Finish
This is created on satin brass by applying a strong chemical patination solution that turns the surface a dark bronze/pewter colour. I call this black bronze.
A beeswax based polish is applied to keep a degree of lustre on the finish.