Therefore, the general testing method for determining how effective a lantern's finish will be, is to subject the lantern to sea salt spray for a period of approximately 96 hours. While not all lanterns are subjected to sea salt spray when installed, this testing method gives a benchmark as to the durability of the lantern's finish. In order to extend the beauty of the brass finishes on our lanterns, all of our lanterns are treated with a special protective coating - either a durable lacquer or powder coating. This will help to reduce the amount of visible tarnishing that is inherent in Polished Brass lanterns. Another alternative is to start with an Antique Brass or Verde Green finish.
Antique brass is designed to represent a polished brass lantern that has already tarnished.
The verde color can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer depending on the proprietary formula they use, the strength of the chemical, the duration the lantern is dipped, the amount of copper in the brass, and even the weather conditions at the time the lantern is treated. This creates a natural color variation on each lantern - no two lanterns are exactly alike. That is the beauty of verde. Following a period of a few months after installation, however, the verde colors will have similar appearances. This finish is a rich, darker finish that resembles either a bronze or a rust color.