Baroque Zinc™ Lead-Free Preweathered Patina on Zinc
FOR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS
Baroque Zinc is a lead-free, preweathered patina on zinc sheet metal. Baroque Zinc is a reference to the historic detail used to produce exuberance, drama and grandeur. The 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.
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.
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.
Barnard College Exterior Facade, featuring Baroque Zinc shingles.
Photo by ARKO | © A. Zahner CompanyPatination of Baroque Zinc
Baroque Zinc is cultivated on raw zinc sourced from ARTAZN. 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 to 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 protective barrier that protects the zinc surface from further deterioration.
If properly installed, zinc surfaces 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. If exposed to prolonged contact with direct 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. Under typical conditions, patina color will darken, creating a rich umber feel over time.
If exposed to moisture over time, the back face of zinc material may suffer from perforation or disintegration of the surface; to ensure best performance, the verso may be covered with plastisol or a similar coating to mitigate potential damage.
12“ SAMPLE OF THE BAROQUE ZINC™ SURFACE.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY.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 that can last upwards of 120 years.
In environments with prolonged direct moisture, the outward facing of the zinc may be susceptible to white-gray areas and streaks, with our without a patinated surface. Typical conditions will darken the patina over time. However, in moisture-heavy regions, the material will lighten over time. The combined result is that the patina will grow over time. Zinc is a sophisticated material that ages with integrity not unlike the elegance of a copper patina.
For best performance, the back face of the zinc material should not be exposed to moisture. If exposed to moisture attack from the reverse side, it may result in perforation/disintegration of the surface over time. This is why the back facing of zinc is sometimes covered with plastisol or a similar coating.
Custom zinc ceiling soffits and staircase at the McMurtry Building in Stanford, California.
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 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.
© Fedora Hat Photography
Photo by Andre Sigur | ARKO
PHOTO © NAHO KUBOTA
Ɱ, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license, edited.
