How to Imitate Antique Bronze

How to Imitate Antique Bronze

Antique bronze sculptures have a wonderful metal tone that add a touch of class to any figurine.

Bronze, part from its weight, has the disadvanate of being very expensive. But you can convert a small or large ornamental figurine into antique bronze sculpture using paints with a little time and expertise.

The figurine you use can be made out of nearly any material -
albastrite, resin, polyurethene, stone, plastic, wood,etc. The only difference in its preparation is that different base coats will be necessary, so that the paints adhere to the surface

You will need:
(what you cannot get from the hardware store you will find in any craft supply shop)

Black acrylic paint
Dark green acrylic paint
Imitation gold powder (purpurine) MUST be very fine
Shellac
Betun de Judea
Green pigment
Talcum powder
Sponge
Old cloths – old Tshirts are best.

First you need to prepare the figurine with an adequate basecoat. In the cases of non brilliant surfaces – normal black paint will be adequate. Give the figurine two coats of black paint.

Allow to dry.

Mix a small amount of purpurine/imitation gold powder available from craft shops with a little shellac varnish (pour a little into a bottle lid or a small open container, and apply this with a piece of sponge to the figurine, already painted black. You must do this unevenly, allowing the black base to show through in places.

Once dry, mix a dark green paint with a lot of water. Paint a thin coat of this all over the figure andthen remove with a cloth, leaving paint in the folds and gaps of the figure

When completely dry – apply a coat of shellac to the whole piece.

Once completely dry, (wearing gloves as betun stains badly),
Apply a coat of Betun de Judea with a brush or a sponge, or in
spray if you have it – and remove with a cloth immediately. You
will need to do this in sections. Apply betun and wipe off in
sections, as it dries quickly.

Before the betun is completely dry, apply a dusting of green pigement (available from craft suppliers)mixed with normal household talcum powder using a stiff paintbrush making
sure that it sticks in the gaps and creases of the piece.

Leave to dry for an hour or so and then polish with a soft cloth
or even a shoe brush to get rid of the excess green powder

You will then have a bronze antique figurine, aged with verdigris – straight out of an antique shop.

TIP When using this bronzing technique it is recommended that you use a clear space with a good covering of newspaper or plastic sheet to protect the surface – as it is a rather messy process. And wear latex or vinyl surgical gloves!