Baroque™ Zinc

Baroque Zinc is a preweathered surface offering a sophisticated matte finish with a distinct panel-to-panel variation. Its refined, variegated aesthetic complements both contemporary and traditional designs, making it a versatile choice for a variety of architectural applications. With its artistic charm and natural patina, Baroque Zinc creates an expressive, dramatic statement while integrating seamlessly into any space.

Baroque Zinc matures beautifully over time, developing a rich umber tone that enhances its protective qualities. This preweathered surface provides long-lasting durability for indoor and outdoor applications. The evolving patina adds warmth and character, while Zahner’s precise preweathering techniques ensure the material’s integrity and resistance to the elements. Baroque Zinc combines artistry and resilience, offering a noble surface that stands the test of time.

Baroque Zinc Manufacturing, Properties, and Applications

“Baroque” is a reference to the detail used to produce exuberance, drama, and grandeur. This sophisticated patina evokes the artistic styles of centuries past. Like the art and architecture from the historic period, zinc is an expressive material which conveys an emotive response.

Baroque Zinc matures gracefully and maintains its integrity over time, much like a copper patina. It provides a durable and noble surface that can last for decades if properly installed and maintained. As Baroque ages the surface color deepens, producing a warm umber tone.

This deepening patination enhances the protective barrier provided by Zahner’s preweathering patination, further guarding against decay. This makes Baroque Zinc an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

The patina process is proprietary and developed by Zahner as a lightweight material for cladding and fabrication. A patinated zinc surface such as Baroque, Roano, or Hunter will serve to protect the metal surface from deterioration.

Patination of Baroque Zinc

Baroque Zinc is a lead-free, preweathered patina cultivated on raw zinc. It can be produced at thicknesses from 0.5mm to 3mm, at sizes up to 43″x160”. The material is available in sheet form, but any forming or fabrication processes altering the metal surface should be performed prior to application of the patina.

Zinc is a transformative material, meaning that it will oxidize and develop a patina layer over time. This patina provides the zinc with a passivated oxide layer, a barrier that protects the zinc surface from further deterioration.

Zinc Aging and Weathering

Zinc is one of the few materials designed for long-term projects. Whereas an aluminum facade is only specified to last a few decades, zinc is a noble metal and a properly installed zinc surface can last more than 100 years.

Left to its own devices, raw uncoated zinc will either grow lighter or slowly darken as it reacts to environmental conditions. Under typical conditions, patina color will darken, creating a rich umber feel over time. However, in moisture-heavy regions, the material will lighten over time. The combined result is that the patina will change, aging with sophistication and integrity.

If exposed to prolonged contact with moisture, the metal’s outward face may be susceptible to white-gray areas and/or streaking. This condition can occur with or without a patinated surface. The back face of the zinc material may also suffer from perforation or disintegration. To ensure best performance, the verso may be covered with plastisol or a similar coating to mitigate potential damage.

Patina vs. Paint

Surface patina should not be confused with paint. A patina is a self-limiting, mineralized oxide on metal; it will not continue to eat through a surface like rust might, for instance. A patina is a reaction to the elements that, in turn, provides a protective barrier from said elements.

The variegated material of Baroque Zinc exhibits a naturally matte surface and features an organic variance from panel to panel. The result is a refined aesthetic that can easily function for both contemporary and historic designs.

Material Mission

We believe in the details at Zahner. We believe in cultivating the surface of a building, and in the innate beauty that well-designed architecture brings to its surroundings. Our philosophy is rooted the notion that an architectural surface should hold its beauty for years to come. For this reason, we offer a complete range of zinc patinas which vary as dramatically as the structures of the buildings to which they are applied.

Baroque Zinc is a sustainable material made using sustainable practices. The material is produced in Zahner’s award-winning, EPA compliant facility. Patina effluent is properly captured and disposed of in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This ensures the health and safety for the families who work at Zahner, as well as the community at large in which it is made.