So what is Patination oil?
Lead roofs and flashing have added prestige to buildings for centuries and still add a touch of first class roofing that no modern material can. Lead is a popular option for roofing as it is easy to apply, durable and gives a nice tidy finish.
Whatever the use for the lead, it is best to finish the job with a coat of patination oil to maintain the quality finish for longer.
What is patination oil?
Patination oil is a white spirit based liquid that can be used to coat newly installed or cleaned lead. Patination oil was developed by the UK lead and building industry to prevent unsightly white staining on the lead work itself, or on the surrounding brickwork. A layer of the oil can help protect the lead and prevent carbonate formation on the surface. The carbonate formation is the white staining that appears on untreated lead that’s left exposed to the elements and moisture. When it rains, deposits of the carbonate can drip onto materials that are adjacent to, or below the lead.
Here’s the good news, you can prevent this staining very easily…
How do you apply patination oil?
Ideally the oil should be applied the same day as the lead being laid to avoid any unwanted moisture meeting the surface.
Shake bottle well before use
Only apply the oil to a dry surface to maximise efficiency
Apply the oil with a soft cloth working from the top of the lead to the bottom
Use a linear movement and avoid scrubbing the oil in
Ensure the oil is applied as an even, single layer
Oil underneath flashings to 50mm from the edge and under any clips to prevent the carbonate forming at the join
Allow an hour for the oil to dry – hope for a day with a dry forecast!
What are the benefits of patination oil?
That application of patination oil is all you need to guard against white carbonate deposits. The lead should only require the one coat to be applied. The oil is cost effective, keeping the lead fresh and only cost efficient.
Below is a brief video of an ongoing project of ours where Tom our lead master is putting the final touches of patination oil on the newly installed lead bays, lead concaves and lead roll tops on a project in Balmain, Sydney NSW.
https://vimeo.com/449544320
For any lead related enquires please don’t hesitate to contact us at kyle@heritageleadroofing.com or call 0451 399 226
I hope you enjoyed the read.
Regards, Team Heritage
