A decorative paint-effect designed to re-create the green crystallized substance found on copper & brass.
Learn how to do it with this free tutorial.
This effect is considerably more difficult to achieve than the others, which is why a tutorial had not been made available.
If you are attempting to simulate this effect over a large area such as the staircase shown on our website, consider the following:
The staircase shown, took an experienced professional decorator 5 days to achieve, the first day involved being covered in dirty turps.
Careful consideration must be given to the order in which each step is attained.
The staircase will be unusable for the full 5 days, maybe more.
If you still wish to attempt this effect, read on.
YOU WILL NEED: -
Dust
sheets or similar material to protect carpets furniture etc.
Disposable
plastic gloves (optional).
Approximately
4 litres of turpentine or white spirits.
2
½ litres of metal primer (see Step 2).
2
½ litres of green oil-based eggshell (mid-sheen) paint.
1
litre of green eggshell paint (lighter or darker than above).
1
litre of white eggshell paint.
1
litre of gold lacquer or paint.
2
½ litres or oil-based matt or eggshell varnish.
Some
hardboard or other disposable material for testing the effect.
A
natural sea-sponge (not synthetic).
A
toothbrush or similar sized paintbrush
1
inch (25mm) paintbrush(es).
Step 1: The staircase MUST be thoroughly washed-down with turpentine or white spirits and a toothbrush or similar sized paintbrush.
DO NOT omit or rush this procedure, as the paint will not adhere to the metal.
It may however adhere to the sole of someone's shoes and be carried over onto your carpets! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Allow a full day for this and do not stop until you are completely satisfied that ALL traces of oil, sweat, grease etc have been removed.
Step 2: The staircase should now be painted with TWO coats of metal primer, ask for advice at your local decorator's merchants.
The primer to be used will vary depending on the type of metal, it's age, it's condition etc.
Calcium plumbate or zinc phosphate may be suitable.
DO NOT USE water-based "rust-cures". They don't work. Trust me, I'm a decorator!
Step 3: The staircase should now be painted with two coats of dark green paint (2 ½ litres).
Step 4: Use a natural sea-sponge to dab on light green paint (1 litre). This should cover approximately 50% of the surface area.
Step 5: Use a natural sea-sponge to dab on gold paint or lacquer, as above.
Step 6: Use a natural sea-sponge to dab on white paint, as above, but covering less of the surface area & mainly in the corners.
Step 7: The staircase should now be painted with two or three coats of oil-based varnish for protection (Avoid polyurethane if possible).
Voila!
We would appreciate your feedback on this tutorial to help others in the future.
