Cindy Piccoli uses techniques of early American craftsmen who re-created the look of expensive wood graining with vinegar.
Materials:
wooden accessory
oil or enamel base coat
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 tsp. sugar
1 Tbs. liquid soap
2 Tbs. tempera paint powder
paint or sponge brushes
spray acrylic matte finish sealer (optional)
interior polyurethane varnish
materials to make designs: crumpled paper, a comb, dried corncob, sponges, putty
Steps:
- Paint the wood piece with oil-base or enamel paint or start on a previously painted piece.
- Combine the vinegar, sugar and liquid soap in a container.
- In another container, measure two tablespoons of tempera paint powder.
- Add enough of the vinegar mixture to the paint to create a paint wash. You can let the paint settle for about 15 minutes and then check the consistency. It should be thin, but not watery. Add more paint or vinegar as needed.
- Apply the paint to the surface of the piece. It helps to work in small areas.
- While the paint is still wet, use various materials to make designs in the paint. Use crumpled paper, any kind of comb or even your fingers. Roll clay or putty into cigar-like shapes and "fan" them at the corners. Experiment! If you don't like the designs, just wipe all the paint away using a vinegar-soaked cloth.
- Remove traces of the vinegar with a damp sponge.
- If you want to add several layers of color or save certain areas, you can let those dry and spray with a sealer.
- When the piece is finished, let it dry completely and apply two coats of varnish.
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