1) First, start with the object you wish to transform. I'm using the piece from the ornamental keystone / lintel of the house that our #greenhouse windows originated from.
Make sure it is clean and dry. Use a metal brush, if necessary, to remove any foreign particles. My lintel piece had some mossy growth I didn't want on it. Use the wire brush gently, as it can damage things easily.
2) Chose a metallic spray paint for the base color: Copper, Bronze, Silver, or Gold.
I used Gold Metalic. Spray the object with the metallic paint and allow it to dry completely.
3) Using a small paint brush, apply the blue color of your choice. For this project I used acrylic paints from my art supply collection.
4) Next, take a rag, or small piece of paper towel, and wipe some of the blue paint off, leaving some of it, but not all. Allow to dry.
5) Using a small paint brush, apply the green color of your choice.
6) Again, take a rag, or small piece of paper towel, and wipe some of the green paint off, leaving some of it, but not all. Allow to dry.
7) Using a small paint brush, apply the white paint. Wipe off any excess white paint, exposing the other colors beneath. Allow to dry.
8) Gently use a kitchen scrubber, or fine sandpaper, to expose more of the colors underneath. Pay particular attention to any raised areas, and recessed areas, to give the object a worn, natural look.
9) Once you have the effect you desire, protect the finish with clear varnish. I used a matte clear spray paint seal. Allow to dry.
And voilà! You have a verdigris treated work of art!
Remember that you can apply this technique to many various surfaces, as we did to the main shelf of our potting bench.
All Rights Reserved. Photograph(s) © copyright, R. R. BERNET, 2014, @LittleBearProd #LittleBearProd
