From Chemicals to Powder Coats: How Primus Lighting Evolved From It’s Acid Finishes

Why Primus Lighting Replaced Acid Finishes with Powder Coating

At Primus Lighting, our design philosophy goes beyond performance and aesthetics. It includes a commitment to environmental responsibility. For years, popular finishes like aged brass and verde brass were created using chemical patination techniques that simulated natural metal aging. While the appearance was beautiful, the methods used to achieve it came with serious environmental consequences.

Today, we have transitioned to more sustainable finishes such as dark bronze and verde bronze using advanced powder coating technology that delivers a similar look designers love without the environmental cost.

The Hidden Cost of Chemical Finishes

Traditional brass patina finishes are achieved through the use of strong acids and corrosive agents that rapidly oxidize the metal. While visually striking, this process produces hazardous waste including heavy metals and chemical byproducts that can contaminate water sources and soil.

These substances are not only harmful to the environment but also pose health risks to anyone in direct contact with them. Even under careful conditions, chemical patination remains a high impact method with long term environmental drawbacks.

The visual character of aged and verde brass may appear timeless but the waste it creates is anything but.

The Smarter Alternative: Powder Coated Finishes

In response to these concerns, we have moved toward powder coated finishes that replicate the richness and depth of aged metals using a clean efficient and environmentally sound method.

Powder coating is a solvent free process that uses electrostatically charged powder pigments cured under heat to create a strong uniform and lasting finish. The result is not only more consistent but significantly more sustainable.

Why Powder Coating is Better for the Environment

No harmful runoff
Unlike chemical patinas, powder coating generates no toxic waste or water contamination

No volatile organic compounds
Powder coating does not use solvents or release VOCs into the atmosphere which helps protect air quality and climate health

Material efficiency
Overspray can be reclaimed and reused which results in minimal waste and responsible resource use

Longer lasting finish
Powder coated surfaces resist chipping fading and corrosion which reduces the need for refinishing and lowers the environmental impact over time

Sustainability Without Sacrificing Style

Finishes like dark bronze and verde bronze offer a similar warmth, richness, and depth that designers appreciate in aged brass styles without the chemical damage behind the scenes. The visual appeal remains but the process behind it is dramatically cleaner and safer for people and the planet.

At Primus Lighting this change reflects our broader commitment to responsible design. Every finish we specify is a reflection of our values including long term thinking, high performance, and environmental care.

A Brighter Future by Design

Lighting can do more than illuminate a space. It can reflect the values of the people who design it, specify it, and live with it. Our transition away from chemically aged finishes to powder coated alternatives is one way we are working toward a more sustainable future one fixture at a time.