Blue Thumb Brass Patina Bowl

Timeless Beauty with Spouted Water Flow

The Blue Thumb Brass Patina Bowl brings elegant sophistication to your water feature with the warm, evolving beauty of authentic brass. These stunning fountain bowls feature integrated spillway spouts that create dramatic arcing water streams, combining classical bowl design with dynamic water movement. Crafted from genuine brass, each bowl develops a unique natural patina over time, transforming from bright metallic tones to rich aged bronze and beautiful blue-green verdigris accents that add character and distinction to your landscape.

Authentic Brass Construction

Each bowl is meticulously crafted from high-quality solid brass, a premium metal alloy prized for its beauty, durability, and distinctive aging characteristics. Unlike painted or coated finishes that fade or peel, brass develops a natural protective patina when exposed to the elements. This living finish evolves through the seasons, deepening in color and character over months and years. The result is a truly unique fountain that becomes more beautiful with age, telling the story of your garden through its ever-changing surface.

Integrated Spillway Spout Design

What sets these bowls apart is the integrated spillway spout that creates a dramatic water display. Water flows from within the bowl and pours out through the wide spillway, creating a beautiful arcing stream that cascades to the basin or pond below. This perpetual flowing stream creates mesmerizing movement and soothing water sounds, making your fountain an eye-catching focal point. The spillway width is proportional to each bowl size, ensuring optimal water flow and visual impact.

Five Sizes Available - Choose Your Perfect Scale

18" Brass Patina Bowl with 8" Spillway - Model BTHB18SB
Perfect for compact spaces and intimate water features

• Bowl Diameter: 18 inches
• Spillway Width: 8 inches
• Weight: 12 lbs
• Material: Solid brass construction
• Finish: Natural brass with developing patina
• Ideal For: Small patios, compact gardens, tabletop fountains, intimate courtyard features

24" Brass Patina Bowl with 10" Spillway - Model BTHB24SB 
Versatile size for standard water features

• Bowl Diameter: 24 inches
• Spillway Width: 10 inches
• Weight: 16.5 lbs
• Material: Solid brass construction
• Finish: Natural brass with developing patina
• Ideal For: Medium gardens, patio fountains, pond edge features, residential landscapes

28" Brass Patina Bowl with 11" Spillway - Model BTHB28SB 
Ideal for larger water gardens and focal points

• Bowl Diameter: 28 inches
• Spillway Width: 11 inches
• Weight: 19.5 lbs
• Material: Solid brass construction
• Finish: Natural brass with developing patina
• Ideal For: Large gardens, substantial water features, landscape focal points, commercial installations

34" Brass Patina Bowl with 12" Spillway - Model BTHB34SB 
Makes a dramatic statement in expansive landscapes

• Bowl Diameter: 34 inches
• Spillway Width: 12 inches
• Weight: 25 lbs
• Material: Solid brass construction
• Finish: Natural brass with developing patina
• Ideal For: Estate landscapes, large ponds, resort settings, grand water features, commercial projects

40" Brass Patina Bowl (Unspouted) - Model BTHB40B 
Maximum impact with traditional bubbling fountain design

• Bowl Diameter: 40 inches
• Spillway: None - traditional bubbling bowl design
• Weight: 33.5 lbs
• Material: Solid brass construction
• Finish: Natural brass with developing patina
• Ideal For: Grand estate features, large commercial installations, traditional fountain displays, maximum visual impact

Key Features:

• Authentic solid brass construction for lasting beauty
• Integrated spillway spouts create dramatic water arcs (18"-34" models)
• Traditional bubbling design available (40" model)
• Five size options to suit any landscape scale
• Develops beautiful natural patina over time
• Living finish that evolves with the seasons
• Spillway width proportional to bowl size for optimal flow
• Lightweight yet durable construction
• Each piece develops one-of-a-kind character
• Premium quality craftsmanship
• Timeless design complements any garden style

Spouted vs. Unspouted Design:

The 18", 24", 28", and 34" bowls feature integrated spillway spouts that create a completely different water experience than traditional bubbling bowls. Water flows from within the bowl and pours dramatically from the wide spillway, creating a beautiful arcing stream that falls to the basin or pond below. This creates both visual drama and distinctive water sounds - the gentle pour from the spillway combined with the splash as water meets the surface. The 40" bowl is unspouted and features the traditional bubbling fountain design where water bubbles up from the center and cascades over the rim in all directions.

The Beauty of Natural Brass Patina:

One of the most captivating features of brass is its ability to develop a natural patina over time. When first installed, your bowl will display the warm golden tones of polished brass. As it's exposed to air, moisture, and the elements, a transformation begins. Over weeks and months, the brass will develop deeper bronze tones, eventually showing beautiful blue-green verdigris accents similar to aged copper or the Statue of Liberty. This patina process is completely natural and actually protects the underlying brass from corrosion. The constant water flow from the fountain accelerates and enhances patina development, creating rich color variations across the bowl's surface. The rate and character of patina development varies based on your climate, water chemistry, and environmental conditions, ensuring your fountain is truly unique.

Perfect For:

• Formal and traditional gardens
• Contemporary and transitional landscapes
• Koi ponds and water gardens
• Courtyard and patio focal points
• Mediterranean and Tuscan-style landscapes
• Resort and hospitality installations
• Commercial landscape projects
• Entryways and grand landscape features
• Outdoor living and entertainment spaces
• Pond edge and waterfall features
• Basin reservoir fountain systems

Installation Considerations:

Brass patina bowls can be installed in multiple configurations depending on your design goals:

Spouted Bowls (18"-34"): The spillway spout must be positioned to pour into a basin, pond, or catch system. Common installations include placing the bowl on a pedestal or stand with a hidden basin below (the spillway pours into the basin), positioning at a pond edge with the spillway pouring directly into the pond water, or mounting on a wall or structure with the spillway creating a water feature. The bowl must be level to ensure even water flow from the spillway.

Unspouted Bowl (40"): Can be installed as a traditional bubbling fountain on a basin system, integrated into a pond edge, or placed as a standalone water feature. Water bubbles up from the center and cascades over the rim in all directions.

A submersible pump (not included) is required for all installations. Recommended pump sizes:

• 18" Bowl: 800-1200 GPH
• 24" Bowl: 1200-1500 GPH
• 28" Bowl: 1500-2000 GPH
• 34" Bowl: 2000-2500 GPH
• 40" Bowl: 2500-3000 GPH

Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper pump sizing, secure placement, safe electrical connections, correct spillway positioning (for spouted models), and optimal water flow for the most dramatic display.

Care and Maintenance:

Brass bowls require minimal maintenance. The natural patina development is part of the fountain's charm and requires no special care. If you wish to maintain or restore the bright brass finish, periodically clean with brass polish and apply a protective sealant. For natural patina development, simply allow the aging process to occur naturally. Regular fountain maintenance includes cleaning the pump intake screen, maintaining proper water levels in the basin or pond, using fountain water treatment to prevent algae, and ensuring the spillway remains clear of debris. In freezing climates, drain the bowl completely and remove the pump for indoor storage during winter months. The brass bowl itself can remain outdoors year-round.

Shipping Information:

Due to the size and value of solid brass construction, these bowls require commercial freight shipping. Each bowl is carefully packaged to prevent damage during transit. Despite being solid brass, these bowls are relatively lightweight (12-33.5 lbs) compared to stone alternatives, making handling and installation more manageable while still providing the beauty and longevity of authentic brass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between the spouted and unspouted bowls?
A: The 18", 24", 28", and 34" bowls feature integrated spillway spouts that create a dramatic arcing water stream. Water flows from within the bowl and pours out through the wide spillway (8"-12" depending on size), creating a beautiful waterfall effect that cascades to the basin or pond below. This creates unique visual drama and distinctive water sounds. The 40" bowl is unspouted and features the traditional bubbling fountain design where water bubbles up from the center and cascades over the rim in all directions. The spouted design is more contemporary and architectural, while the unspouted design is more traditional and classical. Both styles develop the same beautiful brass patina over time.

Q: How do I choose the right size bowl for my space?
A: Consider both your available space and desired visual impact. The 18" bowl is perfect for compact patios, small gardens, and intimate spaces where you want elegant presence without overwhelming the area. The 24" bowl is our most versatile size, working well in medium gardens and standard water features. The 28" bowl provides substantial impact for larger gardens and landscape focal points. The 34" bowl creates dramatic presence ideal for estate landscapes and commercial installations. The 40" bowl is our largest option, perfect for grand water features where you want maximum visual impact. Also consider the spillway width - larger spillways create wider, more dramatic water arcs. If you're integrating into an existing pond, ensure the bowl size is proportional to your pond dimensions.

Q: How long does it take for the brass patina to develop?
A: Patina development varies based on environmental conditions. In humid climates or areas with frequent rain, you may see initial color changes within 2-4 weeks, with more pronounced patina developing over 3-6 months. In drier climates, the process may take 6-12 months or longer. Water features accelerate patina development due to constant moisture exposure, so fountain bowls typically develop patina faster than dry brass items. The brass will progress through several stages: starting with bright golden tones, transitioning to deeper bronze and copper colors, and eventually developing blue-green verdigris accents in areas with the most water exposure. Even after initial patina formation, the finish will continue to evolve subtly over the years, creating a living surface that changes with the seasons.

Q: Can I prevent the patina if I prefer the bright brass look?
A: Yes, you can maintain the bright golden brass finish by regularly cleaning and polishing the bowl with brass cleaner and applying a protective clear coat sealant designed for outdoor brass. This will need to be repeated every few months depending on your climate and water exposure. However, fighting the natural patina process requires ongoing maintenance effort. Many people initially prefer bright brass but come to love the patina as it develops, finding it adds depth, character, and unique beauty that bright brass cannot achieve. The blue-green verdigris is highly prized and is considered the signature look of aged brass water features. We recommend allowing the natural patina to develop for the most stunning and maintenance-free finish.

Q: Is a pump included with the bowl?
A: No, pumps are not included with the brass bowls. This allows you to select the appropriate pump based on your specific installation requirements and desired water flow. We recommend specific pump sizes for each bowl: 800-1200 GPH for the 18" bowl, 1200-1500 GPH for the 24" bowl, 1500-2000 GPH for the 28" bowl, 2000-2500 GPH for the 34" bowl, and 2500-3000 GPH for the 40" bowl. For spouted bowls, adequate pump capacity is critical to create a strong, consistent flow from the spillway. Undersized pumps will result in weak, disappointing water flow. The exact pump size depends on your installation setup, water depth, plumbing run length, and desired spillway flow strength. We're happy to help you select the perfect pump for your specific needs.

Q: How do I install a spouted brass bowl?
A: Spouted bowls require careful installation planning. The bowl must be positioned so the spillway spout pours into a catch basin, pond, or water feature. Common installations include: (1) Basin system - place bowl on a pedestal or stand over a hidden basin, with the spillway pouring into the basin; cover with decorative rock. (2) Pond edge - position bowl at the pond edge with spillway pouring directly into the pond water. (3) Wall or structure mount - secure bowl to a wall or structure with the spillway creating a wall fountain effect. The pump sits in the basin or pond and pumps water up through tubing into the bowl, where it flows out the spillway. The bowl must be level to ensure even water distribution. Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper setup and optimal water flow.

Q: Will the brass bowl survive winter weather?
A: Yes, solid brass is extremely durable and can remain outdoors year-round in all climates. Brass is highly resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and will not crack or deteriorate from cold temperatures. However, you must properly winterize the fountain system before freezing weather. Completely drain all water from the bowl - this is critical as water left inside can freeze and potentially cause damage. Remove the pump and store it indoors in a dry location for the winter. Ensure the basin or catch system is also drained. The brass bowl can stay in place and will continue to develop its beautiful patina through the winter months. In spring, simply reinstall the pump, refill the system, and enjoy your fountain again.

Q: Why is brass better than other materials for fountain bowls?
A: Brass offers several unique advantages for fountain applications. It's significantly lighter than stone (12-33.5 lbs vs. hundreds of pounds), making installation and handling much easier while still providing durability and longevity. The natural patina that develops on brass is self-protecting and becomes more beautiful over time, unlike painted finishes that fade or peel. Brass has excellent corrosion resistance in water features and won't deteriorate from constant moisture exposure. The warm golden tones and eventual blue-green patina create stunning visual appeal that complements any landscape style. Brass is also easier to work with for creating integrated spillways and detailed designs. The investment in authentic brass ensures a fountain that will grace your landscape for generations, becoming a treasured feature that increases in beauty and character over time.

Note: Natural brass patina development varies based on climate, water chemistry, and environmental conditions. Each bowl will develop unique coloring and character over time. Actual finish will vary from photos shown. Bowls are sold separately from pumps and basin systems.