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An insight into Patination Oil

What is Patination Oil?

Patination oil is a solvent borne exterior cladding paint, a combination of white spirit, silica, soya alkyd resin, l'japtha,  and metallic soaps.

One thing to recognize is that white spirit is a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC). Since January 2010, when changes in standards (the EU Directive 2004/42/EC and the UK Volatile Organic Compounds in Paints, Varnishes and Vehicle Refinishing Products Regulations 2005) came into force, the maximum VOC content of such solvent-borne paints became restricted to 300 g/l for the ready to use product.

Patination oil product labels should show the VOC content. Compliance with this is paramount and VOC testing may be carried out in instances where its application is used in the context of an environmental building certification process such as LEED or BREEAM.

Why should Patination Oil be used?

Patination oil protects lead sheet against the formation of unattractive white oxide streaks on the leadwork and adjoining surfaces when it is first laid and ensures a uniform surface and natural lead patina.

After laying, lead sheet may react to rainwater and cause unsightly white carbonate to appear on it and adjacent surfaces, including any surrounding roofing. Tiles and flashings may be affected. Given lead is often used in the context of historic buildings and in conservation areas, this visual issue is particularly important to ensure an even silver grey patina.

It is available in practical dosage bottles and can be simply and economically applied with a coverage of 60m2 per 1 litre bottle.

It can be dry within an hour under normal weather conditions.

An example of lead patinate ruining tiles.

Where should Patination Oil be applied?

The Lead Sheet Association (LSA) recommends that Patination Oil can be applied to leadwork, including roof cladding and flashing applications.

The only instance when its use may be restricted is where it is situated close to aquatic environments as it is harmful in these situations.

When should Patination Oil be applied?

Beyond the need for it to be applied during dry weather, the LSA also recommends that it is applied during the same day as lead installation itself to reduce the opportunity for white carbonate to form.


Another example of how patinate can discolour the roof covering.

How should Patination Oil be applied?

A carefully applied single coat of correctly labelled patination oil to a clean lead surface in a well ventilated exterior situation under dry conditions will provide a standard level of protection to newly installed leadwork.

A repeat coat in high traffic areas will prolong this protection.

Buy Patination Oil here, you can check out our range of lead products also.

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Published at: 07-01-2016

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