If you are in the need of a shabby chic bedroom, a country kitchen, or a Western-style porch for exa...

1. How to Paint & Antique Metal Hardware - Yahoo Voices
If you are in the need of a shabby chic bedroom, a country kitchen, or a Western-style porch for
example, add character to each piece with antique looking hardware. This simple process will vie
any piece of metal hardware one of three looks -- rusted, layered with paint or like a copper with
patina, also known as verdigris.
Preparation
Minimal preparation is required to give any piece of metal hardware the look of an antique. Wash
each piece of hardware with mild soap and water to remove surface oils. After the piece is
completely dry, sand the surface with 220-grit sandpaper. Sanding the surface puts small grooves in
the metal's finish so your paint will stick to the metal during the antiquing process.
Rusted Look
To give your metal hardware a rusted look, paint the front and back of the hardware with rust
colored paint. Acrylic brush-on paint or spray paint works for this portion of the process. After the
paint is dry, dip the tip of a sponge in a dark brown acrylic paint such as burnt umber. Dab the
sponge on a paper towel to remove excess paint. Once excess paint is removed, dab the end of the
sponge on the surface of the metal hardware. The addition of the dark brown paint creates depth
and makes the hardware look as if it is rusted. Finish the hardware with three to five coats of acrylic
spray sealer to protect the new surface.
Copper Patina, also known as Verdigris
Create the look of copper patina on your metal hardware by painting the hardware with a turquoise
paint. While the turquoise paint is drying, dilute one teaspoon of cooper paint with two teaspoons of
water. Dab the diluted cooper paint on the surface of the hardware with a rag in various locations.
You will notice as the diluted mixture is drying that some areas pop over to this site will look
brighter than others. Repeat the process of applying the diluted copper paint on the hardware
surface until the desired effect is achieved. There is no right answer to how much diluted cooper
paint is placed on the surface. Other items you may use to apply the acrylic paint are an old paint
brush, sponge or crumpled plastic bag.
Layered Paint
The layered paint antiquing process begins with a coat of black paint. The next step is to rub
paraffin wax on areas you want the black to show through. The wax will prevent the next coat of

2. paint from sticking to the surface. Paint the hardware with your next color choice and let it dry.
Continue following the same process until you have three to five layers of paint on the hardware.
Now, take a piece of 220-grit sandpaper and sand the surface. The areas where the wax was applied
will sand away easily Related Web Page and create a layered look. When complete, wipe the surface
with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove sanding dust.