Looking for an easy way to create a beautiful finish? Want to turn a mass produced home decor object into a work of art? Time to try patina! Trust me, the products do all the work!
Supplies
- Dixie Belle Patina Paint in Copper, Bronze and Iron
- Dixie Belle Patina Spray in Blue and Green
- Dixie Belle Prime Start
- Protective Gloves
- Chip Brushes
- Easy Peasy Spray Wax
- Gold, Bronze or Copper Gilding Wax
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How to Tips
Preparation
As always, first clean your chosen piece with a TSP product like White Lightening, following the directions on the product label. If your piece is made of metal, your next step will be to protect against corrosion with Prime Start . Otherwise, I like to start with a base coat of paint. Any color that complements your patina will work — I like Rusty Nail and Gravel Road but also had great results with Colonel Mustard. While I tend to completely cover my pieces with patina paint, you may wish to use patina as an accent, allowing your base color to peak through.
Sometimes I forget to wear rubber gloves and then regret it when I’m trying to get paint off my hands! Plus it is always a good practice to wear gloves when dealing with chemical agents like those that cause the patina process. I also use chip brushes that I can throw away when I am finished.
So how do you know which spray to use with which color? You can use either the blue or green spray with Copper and Bronze but I think about the colors these metals naturally turn with age. That helps me remember to use green with Copper and blue with Bronze for vivid, colorful results. As for Iron, I use the green spray for a rusty, crusty finish.
Painting
While I often shake my paint, I stir my patina paints to ensure the tiny metal flakes are evenly distributed throughout. The patina process requires two coats of paint. Allow the first to thoroughly dry…. no matter how impatient you are to see the gorgeous results! While the second coat is still wet, apply the patina spray. A note about storing patina spray: the sprayer contains metal parts that could be damaged by prolonged exposure to the spray. So always remove, rinse and use your lid to store the product.
For someone who likes to be precise and in control (like me!) using patina spray is a good exercise in letting go! Newspaper or a plastic drop cloth will protect your work area as the spray runs, drips and puddles. For less mess and a more even application, pour a bit of spray into a small plastic container and apply with a sponge.
Some patina may show immediately but the process is just beginning. I let my pieces sit overnight and love how color, rust and texture seem to magically appear by the next morning. Then I like to add a light touch of gold, bronze or bronze Gilding wax. By applying with my finger I can feel the texture that I want to highlight. Finally, I apply Easy Peasy Spray Wax to set and seal my new look.
