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How To: Faux Malachite

No video today, I'm feeling a little under the weather. Sorry. But I do have a step by step how to on  Faux Malachite. I know I was going to do Tortoise Shell, and I will, but  I feel crappy and malachite lamps just sounded better.  So lets get started.
First go find something to turn into stone, I had these "totally awesome" 80's lamps with super cheap lacquered brass.
But you can do it on anything, check these chairs I saw on Parlour the other day...


If I had a pair kicking around, I would have done them too. For now, back to the lamp...
Base coat with a pale blue/green. I only needed a small amount so I picked up a tester of Glidden's G14- Almost Aqua for $1.99.

Next mix 3 parts glaze with 1 part paint. The paint needs to be a deep emerald green, similar to Ben Moore's 2049-10 pacific sea teal or 2051-10 yukon green. Do a test patch. You may want to add some black to darken, or tint it in either direction with blue or yellow to your liking.

Start by brushing on an area, and quickly removing it with torn pieces of cardboard. Practice this technique first before heading straight to your project. You'll want to look at some malachite and mimic the wiggly curves. You can also use a fan brush for this technique. ( I just couldn't find mine.)

Keep painting more glaze on and removing...

Next you'll want to soften the hard lines and thick edges. Using a brush, lightly stipple or tap the surface to flatten and soften...

Let it dry. I wasn't thrilled with mine, so I lightly rubbed some green glaze over the whole lamp to deepen it a bit.  Next coat with a high gloss varnish. I gave mine 2 coats of a spray lacquer.



A little trick to tone down cheap laquered brass...
I use this product. I just brush a little on, and stipple it out to give it more of an antiqued gilt look.

And that is it. Just one more lamp to go and my entrance has a new set of lights.
Not sure about the shades though, they might need a makeover too.

I'll be back when I feel a little better.
Have a great rest of the weekend.


28 comments:

  1. LilyMarch 27, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    Wow, it is so cool that you made those...looks great ! Would love to see the tortoise as well!!

    xxLily
    goldandgray.blogspot.com

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  2. Bri@MeyouandawienerMarch 27, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    Wow girl those look pretty f****** awesome. The lamp shades aren't that bad I kinda like them. I have the perfect lamps for this but I covered them in marble paper damn it. I might rip it off and do this instead. Hope you feel better.

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  3. court.March 27, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    holy jeez. wowza. i can't believe this was done by hand.

    feel better; i'm battling something icky too.

    BLACK lampshades!!

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  4. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Ooooooo, this is so pretty! You are seriously talented! :)

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  5. My Interior LifeMarch 27, 2011 at 7:28 PM

    They. Look. Awesome! I agree - black lampshades with gold inside.

    Thank you SO much for doing this tutorial as I've been dying for some malachite!! Now to find the proper candidate. I was thinking of doing a lidded box, but this lamp may have changed my mind.

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  6. bryn alexandraMarch 27, 2011 at 8:19 PM

    that is AWESOME. I have a lamp in my car that was on it's way to goodwill. I may need to bring it back inside!!

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  7. Kelly KrughMarch 27, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Looks great!!! I can't wait to see the tortoise tutorial. I have a console table I've been sanding and getting ready to try a faux tortoise finish on!

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  8. Nichole LoiaconoMarch 27, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    These look fan-freakin-tastic. Thanks for the DIY on painting malachite, I will totally be trying this...on everything I can get my hands on!

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  9. jandjhomeMarch 27, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    Your paint skills are amazing. I would've never thought of doing this.

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  10. Heather (love your space)March 27, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    Um, as always, I am BLOWN AWAY!
    The first shot here looks like an inspiration shot, not the "after." Great job.

    Hope you feel better soon,

    Heather

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  11. AngieMarch 27, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Really? So genius! I love those chairs and your lamp is AWE.some!

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  12. HeidiMarch 27, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    I bow down to you. Amazing. Feel better :)

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  13. Carrie @ Hazardous DesignMarch 28, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Happy Monday! Hope you are feeling better. I'm passing on the Stylish Blog Award to you :) Stop by and see my post today for details.

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  14. AshleyMarch 28, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    YOU ARE A GENIUS! Yes, that deserved caps! And I agree with Bri, the lamp shade works.

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  15. Danielle Sigwalt InteriorsMarch 28, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    Just brilliant! Thanks for sharing...will have to try this asap!

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  16. Ispirato DesignMarch 28, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    You make it look so easy I can't wait to try it- I've got the perfect lamp in the basement! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  17. FranMarch 28, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    So cool - is there anything you can't do??

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  18. Amber InteriorsMarch 28, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    JUST STOP IT!!!! You have to stop all of it. YOur fantazballs keep blowing me away.

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  19. Brandi@ Flights of WhimsyMarch 28, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    I totally want to try this! I might wait for the tortoise shell tutorial though to see which I might be able to do more successfully!

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  20. SamanthaMarch 30, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    Quite impressive.

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  21. -HApril 23, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Here is my attempt! It's definitely not as masterful as yours, but damn I'm happy with it!!

    http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30125697

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  22. Naomi@DesignManifestMay 11, 2011 at 1:03 PM

    zoinks.. Ashley's post just directed me to this. You are crazy talented. I could never hand paint anything, let alone faux-malachite!

    OK, it's official, I need to go back and read all of your old posts.

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  23. Modern Country LadyMay 31, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    Fabulous! Was sent over from Bri's blog, Me, you and a wiener.What a great post and great tutorial!!

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  24. UnknownJuly 6, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    I cannot believe you made that!! Looks like an antique

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  25. PaytonSeptember 5, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    I am dying to try this. I am loving all the faux finishes that you post!

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  26. Shavonda@AHomeFullOfColorApril 16, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    I absolutely love this! Im going to give this technique a try. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  27. AnonymousNovember 12, 2013 at 11:31 PM

    I AM OBSESSING OVER MALACHITE THESE DAYS SINCE I LET GO OF MY MALACHITE CHAMPAGNE BUCKET. GOING TO EXPERIMENT WITH MALACHITE FABRIC ON A LUCITE STOOL. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Stephanie fig at enchanted fig tree :)

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  28. AnonymousDecember 6, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    I just love this! Awesome tutorial-will definitely be giving this a try. Thanks!

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