Host Kathi Cardinalli shows how to add an antique-bronze finish to plaster accessories.
A concrete or plaster bust or animal and some acrylic paints will be needed. Busts or animal sculptural pieces with this type of finish are wonderful additions to mantels or bookcases and add a slightly formal touch.
Materials:
tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) all-purpose cleaner
clean, soft cloth
white-pigmented shellac to seal and prime the piece
paintbrushes
acrylic paints (we used brown, light green and gray)
bronze glaze
sea sponge
plaster wall sconce
Steps:
- Clean the piece with tri sodium phosphate (TSP) and a cloth. Let dry.
- Seal the piece with white-pigmented shellac.
- Lay piece down on its flat back for stability.
- Brush on a coat of brown acrylic paint (figure A). Apply a second coat after the first dries.
- Paint on one coat of bronze glaze, which has a slightly transparent look (figure B). Any missed spots will add depth to the piece.
- Use a damp sea sponge to dab on a light-green color, then add a gray color with the same sponge, overlapping with the green (figure C). Touch and lightly twist occasionally with a clean, soft cloth.
* Note: For a subtle, antique finish, use a damp cloth to dab some of the greenish-gray highlights away while the paint is still wet (figure D). Just touch the piece and give a slight twist in various areas.
)
)
)
)
