Antique bronze sculptures have a wonderful metal tone that add a touch of class to any figurine. Bronze, part from its weight, has the disadvanate of being very expensive. But you can convert a small or large ornamental figurine into antique bronze sculpture using paints with a little time and expertise. The figurine you use can be made out of nearly any material - albastrite, resin, polyurethene, stone, plastic, wood,etc. The only difference in its preparation is that different base coats will be necessary, so that the paints adhere to the surface
You will need:
(what you cananot get from the hardware store you will find in any craft supply shop
Black acrylic paint
Dark green acrylic paint
Imitation gold powder (purpurine)
Shellac
Betun de Judea
Green pigment
Talcum powder
Sponge
Old cloths - old Tshirts are best.
First you need to prepare the figurine with an adequate basecoat. In the cases of non brilliant surfaces - normal black paint will be adequate. Give the figurine two coats of black paint.
Allow to dry.
Mix a small amount of purpurine/imitation gold powder available from craft shops, and apply this with a piece of sponge to the figurine, already painted black. You must do this unevenly, allowing the black base to show through in places.
Once dry, mix a dark green paint with a lot of water. Paint a thin coat of this all owver the figure and remove with a cloth, leaving paint in the folds and gaps of the figure
When completely dry - apply a coat of shellac to the whole piece.
Once completely dry, (wearing gloves as betun stains badly), Apply a coat of Betun de Judea with a brush or a sponge, or in spray if you have it - and remove with a cloth immediately. You will need to do this in sections. Apply betun and wipe off in sections, as it dries quickly.
Before the betun is completely dry, apply a dusting of green pigement (available from craft suppliers)mixed with normal household talcum powder using a stiff paintbrush making sure that it sticks in the gaps and creases of the piece.
Leave to dry for an hour or so and then polish with a soft cloth or even a shoe brush to get rid of the excess green powder
You will then have a bronze antique figurine, aged with verdigris - straigh out of an antique shop.
TIP When using this brozing technique it is recommended that you use a clear space with a good covering of newspaper or plastic sheet to protect the surface - as it is a rather messy process. And wear latex or vinyl surgical gloves!
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Contributor's Note
This the second in our How to Series of paint techniques. The first - How to achieve antique effects with varnish, is also published here, at Qassia
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