patinate
/ˈpætɪneɪt/ · pat·i·nate
verb
- To give a surface a patina; to cause it to develop a thin coating of oxidation or discoloration. The artist patinated the bronze sculpture to achieve a verdigris finish.
- To treat metal, wood, or other material with chemicals so as to produce a decorative, aged appearance. She patinated the copper roof to protect it from the elements while adding visual interest.
Did you know? The verb 'patinate' entered English in the late 1800s, originally describing the chemical process used to artificially age metal for decorative purposes, and it was popularized by the Arts and Crafts movement.