Heavy metal?

Modern Options Antiquing and Metallic solutions are an excellent way of producing the look of weathered metal on any surface.

To use these products, start with an item such as a wooden frame. Paint the metallic solution onto the clean, prepared surface. Allow the first coat or coats to dry. Shortly after applying the final coat of metallic paint, apply the patina antiquing solution. In order for this to take full effect, the paint layer must be wet or tacky. In a very short time, the metal particles in the paint will begin to oxidize, and a visible change in the colour will begin. After allowing the final layers to dry, seal with a varnish to prevent the colour rubbing off, and to preserve the appearance.

The finished appearance of a surface can be readily altered by manipulating the various layers of paints and solutions. All the products have full instructions printed on the labels. For best results, follow the instructions as printed.

Build up your assets

Building up the surface of an unfinished frame with plaster casts before applying the finishing techniques of your choice is a more ambitious method of decorating it.

Perhaps the easiest option for a first attempt is to create or copy small, simple geometric shapes in modeling clay in a size appropriate for the size of your frame moulding. Coat the clay with petroleum jelly and apply several coats of rubber latex, following the manufacturer's instructions. With a small item, the mould formed by the rubber latex will probably not need any further support. Mix casting plaster and fill your mould.

When your ornaments are dry, they can be attached to the frame surface. First, be sure that the surface is clean and smooth. Using contact cement, apply the plaster cast ornamentation to the surface.

After the plaster ornamentation is attached, prime the entire surface with gesso or paint, and then work your magic on it with any of the methods mentioned in this article, or with gold or silver leaf, or what you will. See the Opus handouts on mould-making, or the book Picture Framing: A Practical Guide from Basic to Baroque, by Desmond MacNamara for detailed instructions on casting ornamentation and then applying it to a surface. While this book is about framing, you can use the techniques on walls, wooden furniture or any surface you have in mind to decorate.

Crazy - or not?

If you want to carry the aged or weathered look even further, try out the Old World Art Fracture Glaze for a crazed surface effect on a variety of different surfaces. This product comes in a two-part kit consisting of jars of Primer and Fracture Topcoat, which will give the effect of crackling similar to crazing in ceramic glazes or old paint layers.

It couldn't be easier. Apply the first coat of the Fracture Glaze Primer to your chosen surface, and allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes. It will remain tacky even after drying. Then, with a soft brush, apply a generous coating of the Topcoat. Allow to dry for at least 30 minutes.

Once completely dry, the crackling can be highlighted by applying, and then rubbing off, antiquing stains, acrylic paint, soft pastels, oil paint or metallic powders.

It's a (good) pane...

You can also decorate windows and other glass surfaces using tempera or acrylic paints. Brush on your design, or use stencils, spattering, sponging or any other paint application technique. A new and fun way to decorate on glass is to use Artline Tempera Poster Markers. These wide tip markers, available in 12mm or 20mm sizes contain water-based pigmented ink. You can follow a drawing or be completely spontaneous and work freehand.

Let your imagination have free rein free when working with decorative effects. You will be amazed at the results you can achieve with only a little extra effort and time.