A Guide to Patina Care

Preserving the Beauty: A Guide to Patina Care

At EA Craftworks, we take great pride in creating metal finishes that are not only striking but also thoughtfully crafted to enhance and protect each piece. Among these finishes, patinas are some of the most nuanced and visually dynamic—and they deserve special care to maintain their beauty over time.

Whether you have a decorative indoor feature or a custom architectural element, understanding how to care for patina is essential to preserving its original character. Here are a few key guidelines to ensure your patinated piece stays looking its best.

Handle with Respect—It’s Not Just Metal, It’s Art

Unless your patina is what we call a “live” finish (uncoated and meant to age naturally) or it was intentionally formulated for outdoor use, it should be treated like fine artwork. Patinas are delicate surface treatments that can be affected by touch, oils, and environmental exposure. For this reason, it’s best to avoid handling patinated surfaces whenever possible. If you do need to move or reposition a piece, always do so with clean hands and minimal direct contact with the finished area.

No Adhesives, Please

Adhesives—including common ones like painter’s tape—can damage patinated surfaces. The chemicals in the adhesive can react with the finish or pull it up when removed. If masking is absolutely necessary during installation or touch-ups, apply painter’s tape as gently as possible and remove it immediately after use. Never leave it on the surface for an extended period.

Gentle Cleaning is Key

For general cleaning, less is more. A clean, dry microfiber towel is your best tool. Avoid using liquids unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you find yourself needing to remove a smudge or mark, use a very small amount of Windex applied to the towel (not directly to the surface) and gently dab the area. Avoid any harsh wiping or scrubbing, which can damage or alter the patina.

When in Doubt, Ask

If you’re unsure about how to maintain your piece, feel free to reach out to us. We’re always happy to provide guidance on the best way to care for your EA Craftworks project—because we want it to look just as good years from now as it did the day it was installed.

Treat it with care, and your patina will continue to enrich your space with warmth, depth, and beauty for years to come.