Star Blue is a Zahner-developed preweathered patina that brings the beauty of aged copper to architectural designs without the centuries-long wait. This custom surface achieves a vibrant blue-green tone through a precisely controlled weathering process. Ideal for exterior wall panels, roofing systems, and architectural accents, Star Blue offers the rich character of naturally aged copper with the practicality of modern innovation, making it an excellent choice for projects of any scale.
Star Blue’s patina evolves over time, deepening in color as it interacts with natural elements like air moisture and carbon dioxide. This dynamic process adds refreshing variability and depth to large architectural surfaces, breaking away from uniformity. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Star Blue’s patina forms a protective layer on the copper, ensuring durability and longevity. Produced by Zahner using environmentally friendly techniques, Star Blue combines artistry and sustainability in a versatile, high-performance copper finish.
Star Blue Copper Manufacturing, Properties, and Applications
Star Blue Copper’s surface provides a range of unique colors and textures on authentic copper surfaces. The patina will initially showcase the factory-produced blue-green tone upon installation. But after a few months of exposure, Star Blue will evolve into a richer hue as it absorbs moisture, carbon dioxide, and other pollutants from the air.
Close-up of Star Blue Copper sheet material.
Photo © A. Zahner Company
This collaboration with natural elements creates a refreshing variability. The surface breaks from the uniform monotony often experienced on large buildings. The patina also provides a layer of natural protection for the copper alloy, making it a durable, long-lasting surface.
Star Blue Copper can be used on a range of different wall paneling systems, roofing systems, and architectural accents, as well as art and sculpture projects of any scale. Patinas outperform paints due to their natural weathering and aging, a much desired trait compared with the natural deterioration of painted surfaces.
Hands of Man by L. William Zahner.
Photo © A. Zahner Company
Blue Copper, Unlike Any Other Material
Zahner began working with copper patination when the company was formed in the late nineteenth century. To get the aged copper look of ancient domes requires entire centuries of weathering in conditions that are neither too dry nor too humid. Zahner uses a proprietary technique with Star Blue that speeds up this process.
Zahner operationalized the Star Blue patina on copper for the Kansas City Star Production Facility, the first large-scale application of Zahner’s proprietary rapid-patination process.
The artistic patina has variation in tone and texture, an uncommon trait that is sought after in the architectural metals community. The development of stable patinas on copper requires a strong background in science, and an understanding of chemical compounds, various climates, and their atmospheric and local conditions.
The Star Blue Difference — Resolving Verdigris
Verdigris refers to a chemical process applied to copper in order to create a blue-green color. Specifically, it references copper acetate, a pigment which develops as a reaction between copper and acetic acid.
The problem with verdigris patina standards is that it can leave the material in a soluble state. Zahner patina technicians have mastered the process of taking verdigris to an insoluble state, ensuring that the patina is fused to the surface. The result is Star Blue Copper, a chemically stable patina produced safely using rapid-patination offered by A. Zahner Company.
