Copper Patina Metallic Motifs
Distressed metal leaf shines through a translucent layer of water-based stain. Use Reverse/Negative Weed Modello® custom stencil patterns to add a decorative accent to this rich, layered finish that only "looks" complex.
- Choose from our Custom Stencil Collection. Select (Reverse/Negative Weed) under Stencil Image Options. Contact Modello® Stencils customer service to order this design.
Faux Effects® Products: Order via our Affiliate Link Here
- Lusterstone: Merlot, Royal Jade, Mandarin Red
- Copper Leaf or Schaibin Leaf
- Variegated Black, Blue, Green or Red Leaf
- Wundasize (or similar water-based size for leaf)
- Stain and Seal: Antique Mahogany
- Aquaglaze
- Liberon Wax: Medium Oak
Tools and Materials: Order via Royal Design Studio Here
- ¼” Roller and Tray
- Cheesecloth, Sea Sponges
- Soft Cotton Rag or Lambswool
Basecoat: Black
Step 1: Roll on a thin, even coat of Wundasize with a short-nap roller. To ensure 100% coverage, roll first vertically and then horizontally. Allow to dry 15-20 minutes (minimum) until the size “comes to tack”.
Step 2: Begin by laying in random pieces of variegated leaf. Variegated leaf comes in a variety of colors.
Step 3: When all the random variegated leaf is in place to your satisfaction (about 10% coverage), begin filling in the rest of the background with copper leaf. For small spaces, you can simply remove the individual sheets from a book of leaf. For a larger space, use Copper Schaibin leaf, which is loose leaf in a box. If desired, leaf some open areas of black showing through for a more distressed look. Allow the size/leaf to dry and set up overnight, if possible.
Step 4: The next day, burnish the leafed surface gently with the cotton rag or lambswool. This will help to remove the excess leaf and flatten it on the surface. Place some Modern Masters Black Patina Solution in a small container and dip a dampened sea sponge into it. Wring out well. Gently dab the surface with the sponge VERY lightly. The Black Patina Solution will affect the leaf immediately so go slow at first until you get a feel for the chemical reaction. (NOTE: This product is no longer available. Create a distressed look by flyspecking or sponging with thinned black paint)
Step 5: After applying random areas of the Black Patina with a sponge, an alternative method of spritzing can be used to add an additional, softer patina. Use a spritzer cap attached to the container or flyspeck with a brush or flyspecking tool.
Step 6: Apply the Modello® stencil patterns in a random pattern according to the basic installation instructions. Here two Japanese Medallion patterns have been overlapped slightly to create more variety within the pattern.
Step 7: You can also create more variety and customization within the design by cutting apart the various elements within the pattern and using them individually or rearranging them in a unique way.
Step 8: The various Lusterstone colors are simply rouged on to the surface with a damp sea sponge or dampened cheesecloth. In this photo, the Royal Jade color has already been applied and Merlot is being added.
Step 9: The final color added here is Mandarin Red. Try to avoid having tell-tale sponge marks showing. The color should be applied thinly and the color intermingled. Note: You can substitute metallic paints for the Lusterstone to achieve a very similar effect.
Step 10: Mix Antique Mahogany Stain and Seal with about 20% Aquaglaze to extend the open time and translucency. Rouge onto the surface with a rag or cheesecloth. Feather out the edges as you would a glaze to avoid creating dry or “lap” lines. Allow to dry.
Step 11: Further tone and protect the gilded finish by applying a thin, even layer of Medium Oak Liberon wax. Allow to dry 20 minutes and buff with a soft cloth for a nice satin sheen.
