Friday, March 19, 2010

Aging Gracefully

So often when I collect objects to use in my assemblage they will have some kind of wonderful form or character, but they will have a finish or surface that is too new or lacking in depth or visual interest. I'm going to tell you about one of the techniques I use to age objects using a brown furniture wax.

I'm starting out with a plastic trophy top figure. She is a shiny gold plastic and I've decided she needs to be transformed.
First I spray her with a coat of primer...let that dry and then spray her with the slow drying high gloss enamel paint. Do not use flat or semi gloss, because when you apply the wax it will dissolve the paint.

I use a light brown Briwax and brush the wax onto the figure in small sections at a time, wiping off excess wax with a paper towel. Keep brushing and wiping until the surface looks the way you want it to look.

You will have totally altered and aged the look of your object!

6 comments:

Numinosity said...

Precious secrets! You're so generous with your techniques!
Thanks. I'm a big fan of cordovan shoe shine lately.

Kim

Patricia Chapman said...

You are so welcome Kim. If you haven't tried it the Briwax is pretty terrific stuff. It comes in several shades of brown, black, and a clear wax that you can add pigment powders to. I use it not only on objects, but collage that I want to give an aged look to.

Christy said...

Thanks you for sharing! I had been wondering how you aged your items. You're a doll for telling your secrets!

Tristan Robin said...

the wax doesn't rub off when you handle the object?

you can add like Perfect Pearls to the clear?! cool!

thanks for the tips

Patricia Chapman said...

Hi Tristen,

Just now found your comment and the answer is yes, yes, yes! The wax will dry to a fairly hard finish that will not rub off. You could scrape it off with a knife maybe, but other than that kind of abuse it's a solid done deal!

And yes you can add Pearl Ex or glitter or powdered paint pigments to the clear Briwax for TONS of extra fun!

Tristan Robin said...

I just found your answer to my questions - THANKS.

I'm on my way to Michael's and the grocery store for supplies now! (I assume that's where I'll find BRiwax)

Thanks again - can't wait to play!