Ideas and Inspiration for
Artisan Jewelry Designers
for Vintage Jewelry Supplies
Add Antiquing
When you join several parts together into a single piece you may not be happy with how one of the parts blends with the others. Maybe you bought the components from different suppliers who use different platers and one piece is brighter than the others. Perhaps you would like to make the whole piece look older. The following technique will help you to achieve that look.
YOU WILL NEED:
Flat black or brown water base craft paint.
A small paint brush (about 1/4 inch wide)
A soft toothbrush
A soft cloth that you don't mind throwing away or paper towels
Extra fine grade steel wool pads
YOU WILL NEED:Flat black or brown water base craft paint.
A small paint brush (about 1/4 inch wide)
A soft toothbrush
A soft cloth that you don't mind throwing away or paper towels
Extra fine grade steel wool pads
Directions:
1. Paint the whole piece with the craft paint. (Glass stones will not be harmed but be cautious about porous gemstones that may become too dark.) You can also just use a smaller detail brush to put the paint only where you want it.
2. Immediately use the cloth or paper towel to remove as much of the paint as you can.
3. Use the soft toothbrush to remove more paint until you achieve the amount of antiquing you desire.
4. Let dry for an hour.
When you buy a plated item which has retained too much antiquing and is just too dark, you can use a fine nail buffing stone from the beauty supply department or extra fine grade steel wool pads to gradually remove the amount of antiquing you desire. Please note that you will also be removing the protective lacquer finish applied to most plated items. I've found that it is much wiser not to obsess so much about a perfect level of antiquing on all components.
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