Blog
How to use Dixie Belle Patina Paint
Apr
Looking for an easy way to create a beautiful finish? Want to turn a mass produced home decor object into a work of art? Time to try patina! Trust me, the products do all the work!
Supplies
- Dixie Belle Patina Paint in Copper, Bronze and Iron
- Dixie Belle Patina Spray in Blue and Green
- Dixie Belle Prime Start
- Protective Gloves
- Chip Brushes
- Easy Peasy Spray Wax
- Gold, Bronze or Copper Gilding Wax
How to Tips
Preparation
As always, first clean your chosen piece with a TSP product like White Lightning, following the directions on the product label. If your piece is made of metal, your next step will be to protect against corrosion with Prime Start. I also like to start with a base coat of paint. Sometimes I choose colors to complement my patina, such as Rusty Nail or Vintage Duck Egg, other times I want my patina to “pop” and select a light base color like Drop Cloth, Sandbar or Sawmill Gravy.
I would definitely recommend wearing protective rubber gloves…it makes cleaning the patina paint off your hands much easier! Plus, it is always a good practice to wear gloves when dealing with chemical agents like those that cause the patina process. Likewise, I also use inexpensive chip brushes that I can just throw away at the end of the project.
So how do you know which spray to use with which color? You can use either the blue or green spray with Copper and Bronze but I think about the colors these metals naturally turn with age. That helps me remember to use green with Copper and blue with Bronze for vivid, colorful results. As for Iron, I use the green spray for a rusty, crusty finish.
Painting
While I often shake my paint, I stir my patina paints to ensure the tiny metal flakes are evenly distributed throughout. The patina process requires two coats of paint. Allow the first to thoroughly dry…. no matter how impatient you are to see the gorgeous results! While the second coat is still wet, apply the patina spray. A note about storing patina spray: the sprayer contains metal parts that could be damaged by prolonged exposure to the spray. So always remove, rinse and use your lid to store the product.
For anyone who likes to be precise and in control, using patina spray is a great exercise in letting go and trusting the process! Newspaper or a plastic drop cloth will protect your work area as the spray runs, drips and puddles. For less mess and a more even application, pour a bit of spray into a small plastic container and apply with a sponge.
Some patina may show immediately but the process is just beginning. I let my pieces sit overnight and love how color, rust and texture seem to magically appear by the next morning. Then I like to add a light touch of Gilding Wax in gold, bronze or copper. By applying with my finger I can feel the raised texture I want to highlight. Finally, I apply Easy Peasy Spray Wax to set and seal my new look.
