Dry brushing

Resene paint effects projects, project 13

Dry brushing is an easy way to achieve a bronze metallic look with a verdigris finish. This finish looks great on any metalwork; lamp bases, lights, planters and urns.

Dry brush an mettalic look on bookends
Dry brushing effect on bookends

You will need

25mm soft nylon brush
Bookends pair (sand, seal and undercoat if necessary)
Cotton cloth, paper towels, plate
Resene Gold Effects
Resene testpots in Resene Breaker Bay, Resene Black Magic and Resene Deep Sea
Spoon
White bristle artist brushes

Project tips

The plaster corbels used in this project are from a plaster moulding company, however ceramic, terracotta, wood or metal ones would be equally suitable.

A variety of blue-greens may be used for the verdigris – experiment to find the right combination for your project. Before you start your project try out different combinations and practice your application method on a piece of card until you are happy with the result.

How to make a dry brush paint finish

Step 1 and 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 1: Apply one or two coats of Resene Deep Sea and allow to dry.

Step 2: On a plate, thin the Resene Breaker Bay with a little water to make a wash, and apply over the basecoat allowing it to run into the crevices. Use the cotton cloth to remove any excess and runs. This softens and ages the Resene Deep Sea basecoat colour.

Step 3: Mix equal amounts of Resene Gold Effects and Resene Black Magic on a plate. Mixing these together gives the Resene Black Magic a golden glow and lightens the colour a tone. Pick up a little paint on the brush and work it through the bristles using a paper towel. In a to and fro action lightly brush the paint across the raised areas of the bookends, leaving the green showing in the crevices. Build the colour up slowly until the raised areas are a solid colour. It may take three or four coats or more but it is better to build up gradually than have a heavy, solid line between the brown and the green.

Step 4: Using the same technique as in 3. above, apply Resene Gold Effects over the brown areas, Use the Resene Gold Effects sparingly and build up slowly until you have achieved the desired effect.