Elena Rossi
Cymbals are a vital part of a drummer's sound, and their appearance is also important to some players. Many drummers like the look of a well-worn cymbal, with its patina created by years of use. Some people try to create a patina artificially, using a variety of methods, from burying cymbals in dirt to using chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, or liver of sulphur. Others try more natural methods, such as using sweat, urine, saltwater, or lemon juice. Drummers should be aware that some of these methods may not work and could damage the cymbal's sound or appearance.
Should I give my cymbals a patina paint job?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To create an older, less shiny appearance |
| Techniques | Burying in dirt, using chemicals, peeing on them, using salt water, vinegar, lemon juice, oven cleaner, bleach, garden potash, liver of sulphur, ammonia, etc. |
| Effects | Changes sound, can make it "dry", "dead", or "mellow", reduces high frequencies, accentuates stick articulation |
| Considerations | Safety, toxicity of chemicals, potential damage to cymbal, difficulty removing patina |
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What You'll Learn
Using chemicals to create a patina
Creating a patina on a surface involves applying a thin layer of various chemical compounds such as oxides, carbonates, sulfides, or sulfates. This process can be done using a range of chemicals, both household and commercial. It should be noted that one should always exercise caution when using chemicals and always wear protective gear.
For metals, the patination process involves exposing the metal to atmospheric elements such as oxygen, rain, acid rain, carbon dioxide, and sulphur-bearing compounds. The specific chemical used, the type of metal, the duration of exposure, and the temperature will all influence the final colour and texture of the patina. For instance, copper alloys like bronze develop a green patina when exposed to chlorides, whereas compounds like liver of sulphur produce a brown patina.
To create a patina on cymbals, various chemicals can be used, resulting in different colours such as blue, green, orange, or brown. One method involves using garden potash by filling a container with boiling water, adding garden potash, and then immersing the cymbal. This will result in a brown patina. Another method is to use a chemical patina to artificially age the cymbal, darkening the sound. This process can be done using chemicals like muriatic acid, apple cider vinegar, mustard, or bleach.
Additionally, artists and metalworkers may use patina as a decorative technique, simulating antiquity in newly made objects. This process, often called distressing, can be accelerated by applying chemicals with heat. For copper alloys, chemicals such as ammonium sulfide, liver of sulfur, cupric nitrate, and ferric nitrate can be used to create patinas in colours ranging from blue-black to yellow-brown.
It is important to note that the patination process may vary depending on the specific metal and the desired outcome. Always research the chemicals being used and follow safety guidelines to ensure a successful and safe outcome.
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Natural ways to patina cymbals
There are several natural ways to patina cymbals, and the process can be done through various methods. Firstly, it is important to note that cymbals with a protective coating will not patina as easily, so it is recommended to remove any clear coating or wax on the cymbal before attempting to create a patina. This can be done with acetone or lacquer thinner, but caution should be exercised as these substances are hazardous.
One natural way to patina cymbals is to use human urine, which contains ammonia, or to apply human sweat. These methods can create a greenish patina over a whitish base. Another way is to use a mixture of vinegar, salt, and water, spraying the cymbal with this solution and leaving it in the sun. This method can create a greenish patina as well. Alternatively, a cymbal can be soaked in lemon juice or cola, which will also create a patina due to the acid in these substances. For a brown patina, a cymbal can be soaked in a solution of boiling water and garden potash.
It is worth noting that some people prefer to let their cymbals develop a patina naturally over time through regular use and exposure to the atmosphere, rather than using artificial methods to create a patina. This natural process can take many years, and some people believe it improves the sound of the cymbal.
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Pros and cons of a patina paint job
The decision to give your cymbals a patina paint job is a matter of personal preference, but there are some pros and cons to consider before making a choice.
Pros:
- A patina paint job can give your cymbals a unique, aged appearance that some people find aesthetically pleasing.
- It can be a way to artificially age the cymbal and darken the sound, which may be desirable for some drummers, especially those who play jazz.
- It can be a way to remove unpleasant high frequencies from cheaper cymbals.
- It may be a cheaper option than a traditional paint job, as it does not require the same level of precision and labour.
Cons:
- The process of applying a patina can affect the sound of the cymbal, making it sound "dead".
- It can be difficult to achieve the desired result, and it may not be possible to fully remove the patina if you are unhappy with the outcome.
- Some people consider it a ""faux pas" to fake patina, arguing that it is better to leave the cymbal in its original state.
- The chemicals used in the patina process can be toxic and dangerous, so it is important to approach the process with caution.
- The patina process may not be suitable for all types of cymbals, and it may require additional steps to remove any existing finishes or logos.
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The effect of patina on sound
The effect of patina on the sound of cymbals is a subject of interest to many drummers, with some experimenting with different techniques to add patina to their cymbals. Some sources suggest that patina can affect the sound of a cymbal, making it mellower and reducing high frequencies. Others claim that the effect of patina on sound is minimal, and that it is mostly an aesthetic choice.
Patina is a thin layer that forms on the surface of metals such as copper, brass, and bronze through oxidation or other chemical processes. On cymbals, patina can be induced through various methods, including natural ageing, artificial chemicals, and even burying them in dirt. Drummers seeking a specific sound or aesthetic may experiment with different patina techniques to achieve their desired result.
Some drummers prefer the look and sound of cymbals with patina. They believe that patina can mellow the sound, reducing the brightness and high frequencies. This can be desirable for certain genres of music, such as jazz, where a darker, more muted sound is preferred. Additionally, patina can accentuate stick articulation, providing a more satisfying playing experience.
On the other hand, some drummers argue that the effect of patina on sound is negligible. They claim that cleaning a cymbal or removing the patina does not significantly alter the sound. It may be a psychological effect where the eye fools the ear into perceiving a brighter sound when the cymbal is clean and shiny. Additionally, the process of adding patina may not always yield desirable results, as it can make the cymbal sound dead or too dry.
It is worth noting that the impact of patina on sound may vary depending on the type of cymbal, the specific patina technique used, and individual preferences. Some cymbals may respond more noticeably to patina, while others may exhibit minimal changes. Drummers who are curious about the effects of patina are encouraged to experiment with their cymbals to find their preferred sound.
Ultimately, the decision to add patina to cymbals depends on the drummer's aesthetic preferences and desired sound. While patina can slightly alter the sound by reducing brightness and high frequencies, it may not be a significant factor in the overall sound of the cymbal. Drummers should feel free to explore different patina techniques while keeping in mind that the results may vary and that the process can be unpredictable.
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Removing patina from cymbals
There are several methods for removing patina from cymbals, though it's worth noting that some people believe that patina adds "character" to a cymbal, and that removing it may negatively affect its sound.
If you're looking to remove patina from a Paiste cymbal, several specific products are recommended. One source suggests using Paiste's cymbal cleaner, which they claim will yield the best results. Another recommends Barkeeper's Friend, though they caution against using this product on B8 cymbals, as it could ruin them. Instead, for B8 cymbals, they suggest using Zildjian's cleaner, which comes in a tube. After cleaning, they recommend using a protector, and then coating the cymbal with Pledge. Another user agrees that Zildjian's cleaner is the best option for B20 cymbals, but suggests using Barkeeper's Friend first, followed by Zildjian's cleaner. They also recommend using a wax coating to prevent patina from forming.
Other recommended products for removing patina include:
- Dawn/Ajax solution, scrubbed with a soft cloth
- Lemon juice
- Ketchup
- Groove Juice
- Flitz tarnish spray
It's important to note that some products, like Barkeeper's Friend, can be too harsh for certain types of cymbals, so it's always a good idea to test a small area first or do some research to make sure the product is safe for your cymbal.
Additionally, if you're looking to remove patina from a specific area, like green spotting, be aware that any cleaner strong enough to remove the patina will likely remove it from the surrounding area as well, so proceed with caution.
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Frequently asked questions
A patina paint job can give your cymbals an older, less shiny look, which may be aesthetically pleasing to some. It can also be used to artificially age the cymbal to darken the sound.
There are various methods to give your cymbals a patina paint job. Some people use chemicals like liver of sulphur, bleach, ammonia, or vinegar to create different colours like blue, green, orange, or brown. You can also try using salt water, lemon juice, or burying your cymbals.
Yes, some people have mentioned using human sweat or urine to create a patina on cymbals. You can also try leaving your cymbal outside in the sun and letting the dew and sun create a natural patina.
Yes, Reverie Drum Co. offers a cymbal patina modification service that can be applied to any cymbal. Their process involves clearing the surface of all logos and existing finishes before applying a patina that creates a film on the surface of the bronze, drying up the spread, and accentuating the stick articulation.
