Is The Green Patina On Bronze Sculpture Intentional?

[sculpturecollector]

Is the green patina on bronze sculptures caused simply by age and exposure or is it intentionally applied?
I am painting an angel sculpture and trying to recreate this effect. Should I put the patina everywhere systematically or just in certain areas, like the way rust would appear, to similate an aged, antiqued look. I know patinas are sold to create this look, but am I just recreating a look which occurs naturally? MANY THANKS!

[Admin]

Bronze statues are not usually left to patina naturally. If a statue has a heavy green color, (as the Statue of Liberty) then it is probably made of copper. Copper is a metal which oxidizes after prolonged contact with air and moisture into an interesting green color. I have seen statues with more patina around areas where they are untouched, and water allowed to run over their surfaces.

Artificial patinas can be applied by chemical process, which causes the surface of the metal to react and become a certain color based on the desired effect. This is usually sealed behind a buffed wax layer to seal in the color and prevent it from changing colors.