Decorative Paint Technique: Metallic

From our online exclusive Decorative Paint Techniques with Danielle Hirsch of Color Splash.

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Get instant gratification! Use metallic paint or an aging solution to turn a flea-market find into a stylish treasure.
Difficulty level: 1 brush out of 5

Danielle's Tips

  • Stippling = Short, dabbing strokes.
  • Patina = A layer of color on metal caused by age or corrosion.
  • Find aging solution in the faux-finishing section of the paint store.

Materials:

plant stand (flea market)
white latex spray primer
Metal Effects copper paint (ME149); Metal Effects patina aging solution (PA901 Green, PA902 Blue, PA903 Black) – Modern Masters
latex paint (Summer Basket Green 2040-40) – Benjamin Moore
paint tray
china bristle brushes
sponges

Steps:

1. Clean and prime the piece (use a spray primer to get into all the cracks and crevices). Let dry.
2. Use a china bristle brush to stipple the copper paint into the tiny crevices of the plant stand until it's completely painted with a light coat of color. Don't use too much paint on the first coat as drips will detract from the finished look. Let the paint dry for about an hour.

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Figure A
3. To create a weathered look or patina instantly, use either an aging solution or latex paint. When using aging solution, apply a second coat of copper paint as above and while it's still wet, dab the solution on with a sponge or dribble it over the piece. Or, apply a second coat of copper paint as above and let dry. Then use a sponge to dab latex paint where desired to simulate the look of patina (figure A). The advantage of using paint over aging solution is you can control where the patina will go.
4. If you don't like an aged area, just repaint it copper and go back over it with the aging solution or green paint. You just can't mess this technique up!
Resources

paint
Benjamin Moore Paints
Website: www.benjaminmoore.com

metallic paint
Modern Masters
Website: www.modernmasters.com