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.
