Paint architectural elements to appear like oil-rubbed bronze.
Oil-rubbed bronze is found on many types of interior accessories, from ceiling fans to faucets, but purchasing ready-made items with an oil-rubbed bronze finish can be expensive. Incorporate this look without spending a bundle by emulating the finish on items you already own. A similar decorative finish can be achieved with paint in a variety of different ways, all of which yield professional-looking results.
Prepare Your Project
Ensure all items are clean and free of dirt. Wipe down your item with a light household cleaner or warm, damp cloth. Remember to scrub all corners and crevices, where grime often accumulates. Wipe dry. It's often necessary to apply a scratch coat to allow the paint to adhere well to the surface. Rub a sanding block over the surface lightly and wipe off any dust you create.
Craft Paint
Pour several different colors of bronze or gold craft paint onto a paint palette. Include a small amount of black or dark umber paint. Dampen a sea sponge and lightly press the sponge over the entire several different colors of paint. If one color is too yellow or green, simply wipe it off, or cover with another bronze color. Use small brushes, toothpicks or cotton swabs to apply paint in small corners.
Spray Paint
Place the item outside in a non-windy environment. A well-ventilated garage or basement also works. Place the item on a cardboard box or drape a plastic painter's tarp over the area to catch over spray. Shake a can of faux-bronze paint well for about 20 seconds, or as indicated on the can. Hold the can about 6 inches from the surface of your project. Press down on the nozzle to release the paint. Sweep over the item in long, even arcs. Do not cover all the areas evenly--leave them mottled to give the piece an antiqued look. Wait 45 minutes to an hour for the first coat to dry and spray again. Continue to spray until the entire piece is covered and none of the original material shows through. For additional effects, dab on craft paint as described in Section 3 to add more dimensions of metallic color.
Protection
To keep your oil-rubbed bronze looking new and to resist chipping or wear, lightly coat it with a water-based polyurethane. Oil-based sealants tend to yellow as they age and also have a greater amount of fumes. Always add light coats to avoid drips and uneven paint spray. Allow to dry several days to ensure curing.
Tags: different colors, item with, oil-rubbed bronze, Place item, several different