Modern Masters Metal Effects Makes Rusty, Patinated Wall Art Magic

Modern Masters Metal Effects Makes Rusty, Patinated Wall Art Magic

Our Greensboro, North Carolina winter is blah! Dull, dark and dreary. But this week I experienced some creative excitement that beat the gloom for me while cooped up in the house. Packages from Modern Masters arrived on my doorstep, chock full of their Metal Effects products. My goal: to create something rusty and fabulous with gorgeous green patina like you find on ancient hardware and statuary.

And I thought Christmas was over.

I have spent over 15 years as a full time faux finisher, yet I never discovered these crazy fun, addictive products! I know you have seen stunning finishes on walls and furniture on Pinterest and in magazines and drooled over the look thinking they are impossible for a DIYer to achieve.

Oh, it’s so not so!

THE BEFORE PHOTO

OK, put on your sweatshirt, woolen hat and mittens and trek to the attic or basement to unearth something to practice on. To get a more dramatic effect, choose something with pattern and depth like this metal wall art. Mine is like a section from a century old tin store ceiling and I’m betting you have something similar. Give it a good cleaning with soap and water and wipe dry.

It’s hard to believe that I got this amazing look using only a few products. But I did take ten minutes to watch the related Modern Masters Metal Effects videos, Metal Effects Patina Finishes and Metal Effects Rust Finishes, before I began my project. I created my finish a bit differently, so use my directions for this project.

SUPPLIES

• Metal Effects Primer – One really important point is that you cannot substitute any old household primer when using Metal Effects.
• Rust Activator
• Old brush or Rag and Small Roller
• Containers and Rolling Tray for holding and rolling products
• Drop cloth or plastic to cover and protect working surface

PREP YOUR WORK AREA.

I worked on my studio table top covered with a heavy drop cloth with no kitties (or little ones) around. Be sure to carefully read the instructions on each label that include info like having proper ventilation. Be aware that the spray mist can travel and may stain, so cover anything precious.

BRUSH ON 2 COATS OF METAL EFFECTS PRIMER AND LET DRY OVERNIGHT.

BRUSH ON 2 COATS OF IRON REACTIVE PAINT AND LET DRY.

I skipped some areas just to see what would happen. Here it is when dry.

ROLL ON 2 COATS OF COPPER REACTIVE METALLIC PAINT, HITTING THE HIGH AREAS. Do not let the 2nd coat dry.

ATTACH THE SPRITZER CAP TO THE GREEN PATINA AGING SOLUTION BOTTLE AND SPRAY LIBERALLY.

Wait. Wait a little more. Then watch the green patina finish evolve over a couple of hours. Depending upon your piece, you may need to spray the Rust Activator over the Iron Reactive Paint when the Green Patina Aging Solution is dry. I actually did not need it to get this look. Since the Green Patina Aging Solution acts as its own sealer, I did not need to seal it. If you wanted to seal after using the Rust Activator, use the Permacoat Xtreme sealer and topcoat as it was created specifically for an overall rust finish.

What do you think? How do you like my new crusty masterpiece hung on top of our silver leaf wall? Stay tuned as in February I will be posting my wall finish project using Modern Masters Metallic Plaster. Then I will reveal the final look in our master bedroom.

Let me guess. I think you are on the Modern Masters website now to find the retailer closest to you to get these products ASAP!

Modern Masters Cafe Blog Guest Writer and Artist is Debbie Hayes,  Blogger at My Patch of Blue Sky & Author of the Color Inspiration Notebook.

Original article and pictures take modernmasterscafe.com site