Instructions for Bronze Patina

MATERIALS FOR BRONZE PATINA

(Unless otherwise stated, all materials are available at arts & crafts retail stores)

Windsor & Newton Galleria Mars Black Acrylic Paint
Pearl-Ex Antique Bronze Pigment
Pearl-Ex Antique Copper Pigment
Delta Ceramcoat Forest Green Acrylic Paint
Delta Ceramcoat Turquoise Acrylic Paint
Johnson Paste Wax (available at hardware stores)
Rutile powder (available through ceramic supply stores)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING BRONZE PATINA

1. In small container, add 1 ounce of water to 4 ounces of the black paint. Continue to add water until the mixture is the consistency of cream. Stir in ¼ teaspoon of the Antique Bronze pigment powder.

2. Using a wide, soft-bristled brush, apply two coats of black paint mixture to bisqued (Cone 04), dust-free piece, allowing 15 minutes drying time between coats. Use the end of the brush to dab any textured areas that the paint did not cover.

3. In another container, thin the Forest Green paint with water using a 2:1 ratio (it will appear much thinner than the black mixture).

4. Apply green paint to black piece using a small wet sponge. You may need to thin the green paint with additional water (it should not obscure the black paint beneath).

5. When the green paint is nearly dry, highlight by wiping off areas with a damp paper towel.

6. Repeat steps 3-5 with turquoise paint. You may decide how much to leave on the piece using your own personal tastes. It should, however, only highlight the piece.

7. Dip dry index finger in Antique Copper pigment and rub gently in hand to remove excess powder. Apply powder on finger to select areas of piece, rubbing in until a copper glow is achieved. Areas with too much powder may be rubbed with a damp paper towel to tone down the effect.

8. Apply rutile powder liberally to textured areas with a cosmetic brush.

9. Apply the paste wax by using the palm of your hand to cover the entire piece. Wait five minutes for the piece to absorb the wax.

10. Buff the waxed surface using the palm of your hand and a vigorous motion. A moist paper towel may also assist in achieving a waxed glow to the final finish.

11. If desired, additional Antique Copper pigment may be applied as in step 7 to suit personal taste. Note that pigment applied to a waxed piece will adhere to surface more strongly than when applied before waxing.

12. For pieces with a hard-to-reach interior (pot or vessel), dilute some of the black paint mixture with water. Pour in vessel and stuff a dry paper towel in vessel opening. Turn vessel over several times to distribute the paint on inside surfaces. Remove paper towel and clean excess paint from vessel opening. Covering the interior may be done prior to applying the green/turquoise paint or after the piece has been waxed.