Painted “Patina” Charms
by Lynda.
(Spring Valley, California USA)
Who knew that you could literally paint on fake patina and color to base metal or copper charms. Not me!
Just read about this incredibly easy technique with ordinary acrylic paints. The three on the left are the original finishes.
These are the basic steps to this process.
1. Use pieces with high relief texture, so the paint has somewhere to stay.
2. Use a small paint brush, stenciling sponge dauber, or even a Q-tip to apply a good coat of paint to the metal. Make sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
3. Let it dry a few minutes until it’s tacky.
4. Wipe of the excess paint with your finger, yes, finger, to re-reveal the metal high points of the design. Fingers are still your best tool. You can go at it again in places if you want to add more paint. Repeat the steps.
5. Let the pieces dry completely. I helped mine along with a hairdryer.
6. Lightly buff the tops with 0000 steel wool or a polishing cloth to shine up the high points of the metal.
Not exactly sure how these will be used, but that’s the next step in the fun, right?
Lynda Carson
Fresh Baked Designs
Comments:
Wow
by: Leigh
What a great technique. I think it is awesome the way it completely changes the look of the charm. The colors you chose are awesome.
Patinas
by: Valorie
Thanks for explaining this process. I was just wishing I knew how it was done. Great tip. Can’t wait to try it.
Patina
by: Irene
Wonderful. Thanks for sharing. I especially like the color of the key holes.
Love these!!
by: Michelle Buettner
I saw this posted on your blog and thought the colors were fabulous!! Thanks for sharing!
painted charms
by: Kate
Yay! what a good idea I’m dying t do a spot of painting – on something – but this is the best of both worlds. Thanks for sharing the tip.
Patina
by: Dorothy
I love the idea of paint instead of chemicals, I think I will try this, Thanks for sharing!!!
Patina Painting Technique
by: Rena
Thank you for sharing this great how-to, Lynda!
It’s nice to have another way to color metals, and I bet playing with color this way is fantastically fun!
This is definitely going on my list of jewelry techniques to play with!
This could be a great jewelry workshop or jewelry-making party project – first coloring the components and drying them, then making them into jewelry.
Extra suggestion
by: Lynda
I’ve decided that it might be a good idea to finish off the pieces with a clear matte sealant. Not sure about flaking as this is a new technique to me and I can’t vouch for the wear and tear.
If you experiment with this, please share your learnings with us.
Lynda
