Creative Finishing Techniques

[JackJr]

Metal leaf is very attractive but it does tend to discolor over time. The one thing with gold leaf, as long as it does not peel off, it that it stays shiny forever. I have used real gold leaf on a very special project I made for my dad years ago. After he passed away I got the picture frame and it is still bright and shiny even after 40 years.

 

[carrot]

I use decoupage a lot in my projects. I do a lot of furniture refinishing- mainly smaller pieces like occasional tables or dressers. Decoupage is a great way to add that fancy touch without needing to be a master artist.

 

[Christopher1]

I have not used gold leaf, but I might try it in the future. I helped my mom sponge paint her bedroom, and it came out very nice. I am guessing this technique is like the rag one. I have also used the crackling paint, which was very interesting.

 

[Calvin]

Finishing projects

My wife has some scrapbooking inks she uses to give scrapbooking papers an aged look. I used some of these inks on a small wooden box I was making and was pleased with the different sort of look that resulted. It pays to experiment with things around the house. You never know what you'll end up finding.

 

[WingDing]

Another great look for picture frames is cracking paint. It's very easy to use and makes the frame look as old as...well...me!

My fiance loves using the crackle medium on some furniture. I never thought about it, but using this method on a frame would detract attention from my ugly face!

Ha

 

[WingDing]

I have never tried any of these! I would love to know more about them all. Crackling paint? That just sounds pretty cool. I have no idea what gold leaf or metal leaf is either. Care to share what that even means? I can't wait to hear!

The crackling paint is a really cool way to get an aged look with fresh paint. Basically, it's a clear medium that you can buy at any crafts store. Applying the crackling medium prior to your final coat, it basically cracks the paint as it cures. Picture an old pair of shutters that have taken years of abuse. That's what crackling medium will do in hours, minus chipping paint.

I recently turned an old fireplace surround into a headboard for our bed. Gave it a base coat of dark brown. Once that dried, brushed on some crackling medium, then a coat of tan paint. As it set up, the cracks let the base coat show through.

Similar to crackling medium, antiquing medium is also available. While I haven't used it before, I'm curious how that would differ. Does anyone have any experience with antiquing medium?