Old age can be beautiful too. Proof of this is the retro-style interiors with the tarnished bronze of candlesticks and worn chests of drawers. The art of creating such aged surfaces is available not only to designers and decorators. You can add an extra ten years to the subject at home.
It is necessary
- - paint;
- - brushes;
- - the cloth;
- - sandpaper;
- - foam sponge;
- - varnish for craquelure.
Instructions
Step 1
Art stores sell off-the-shelf paints with an antique look. However, you can experiment with conventional formulations.
Step 2
To test the first method, you will need a white cotton cloth (or any color that does not fade). Pour a thin layer of any color of water-based paint into the paint tray. Crumple a rag in your hand and dip it lightly in the paint. Press the cloth against the surface to be painted, but do not rub. The result is an uneven layer of color. Leave it to dry completely, and then rub the entire area with fine sandpaper, increasing the effect of peeling paint over time. Secure the finished layer with a suitable varnish (it is chosen depending on the material that was painted).
Step 3
The effect of old silvering or crumbling gilding can be obtained on a completely new thing using acrylic paint in two colors. The first layer is applied tightly, coveringly - a roller is used for this. After the paint is completely dry, golden or silver acrylic is applied to certain areas of the surface: dip a foam sponge into it and press it 5-10 times against a sheet of draft paper. When the sponge mark is light and the texture of the foam rubber is noticeable in the prints, use light patting movements to “powder” the base color.
Step 4
Half-erased white paint will look good on wooden objects. It usually works well with a contrasting blue background. Use a stiff, fairly large bristle brush for this purpose. An uneven bristle edge will be an added benefit. Take some paint on the brush, rub it over the draft. When the tool becomes semi-dry and it becomes difficult to slide, go over the wood with a brush, and after a couple of minutes polish it with a dry cloth. Such strokes will work well on raised parts of objects from which paint will wear off most quickly with their daily use.
Step 5
For a more professional antique look, experiment with craquelure varnish. With a one-step craquelure, a base color is applied to the object, which will subsequently be visible in the cracks. After drying, this layer must be covered with craquelure varnish and wait until it dries to such a degree that the fingers will freely stick off the surface of the object, but still feel its moisture. This is followed by a layer of contrasting paint, which will crack.
Step 6
When creating a two-step crackle, the varnish is applied to the finished product and creates a network of small cracks into which pastels or colored powder is rubbed. Regardless of which type of craquelure you prefer, apply the varnish in one layer, without touching the already covered area with a brush. The crack size will increase with the layer thickness. When all cracks are dry, cover the aged object with a layer of finishing varnish to consolidate the effect.
