thanks for the heads up on the patina - the dye oxide may be worth a shot (from the posted link):
"Dye Oxide Patinas: The Water Based Dye-Oxide Patinas are very versatile. They are a cross between the Solvent Base Dyes and a patina. All of the colors are transparent and may be blended or layered together to achieve the color you want. They do not contain acids. They are a UV safe, indoor, or outdoor patina.
The Dye Oxides may be applied directly onto any metal including Iron, Steel, or Aluminum. They may be used in a hot or cold technique. The Dye Oxides may be applied over any other patina solution while it is wet or dry to alter the color. They are so compatible with patinas that the Dye Oxides could be added into another patina formula. For example: if your green acid patina was not green enough for you – the green Dye Oxide could be added into your formula thus changing the color. These, as with all our patinas and colors, work very well over the metal coatings also."
choices, choices...