Friday, March 16, 2012

Finishing

I keep getting emails asking me, what sealers I use on my painted pieces.  Since I realize I'm not always clear on that, I thought I'd show you a few pieces.  How I finish a piece depends on the effect I want.  I finished this corbel with wax.



My "Old World" finish, followed by multiple layers and shades of wax.








I love the peeling finish I got on this finial I made from a lamp base (and a small finial), but it's bit of a mystery how I got there.  I did it over a period of time.  Paint, gypsum, stain, and wax are involved.  I'll have to do it again, and pay attention.  Anyway, it has a clear wax finish.














These bookends have a finish similar to the corbel above,












as do these plaques.









I've also used a spray matte finish.



I gave these plaques a plaster like finish, and a little distressing.  I decided not to darken them.




Sometimes I don't add a sealer at all.  This little frame of mine is just decorative, and I like it dry.  Plus, unless you go out of your way to destroy it, a gesso finish is rather durable on pieces that won't get a lot of use.




I've also used varnish, a stain/finish mix, shellac, my own brews, you name it.  I like variation.  See ya soon.



Sharing With:
Remodelaholic: Remodelaholics Anonymous
At The Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday









14 comments:

  1. Glad to hear that you can't always remember everything when you play with a piece for awhile. How do you describe "dob a bit on, wipe a bit off, dirty a bit up...". lol

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  2. It takes a while to find the right depth in the finishes you apply. Usually multiple applications like the ones you apply are the best! I've even started over when it didn't seem right!

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  3. I'm just so impressed with your patience and your eye for what each piece should look like Rosemary! You have the gift my friend and we are so glad you share it with us at Inspiration Friday! :-)
    Vanessa

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  4. I like the "different with every piece part"

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  5. You are a very talented lady, and I love reading about all your creative finishes. I'm now following you on LF...hope you'll follow back too! Little Bit from DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

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  6. Nice to see all the ways you do your creations. I want to try something like what you do on some gold sconces I picked up at auction.

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  7. Rosemary, I just love EVERY piece you lay your hands on. I'm still wanting to try your Old World technique. You got some mad skills : )

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  8. Your blog is like a big how-to book on painted finishes. I like that you try different things until you get it the color you want. Sometimes things that don't turn out the way you want teach you things when you start messing with it and turn out even better than you envisioned.

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  9. You have always been so kind to share your tricks of the trade. Thanks!

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  10. I love all of the wonderful textures of your beautiful pieces, Rosemary! One of these days I need to try my hand at gesso!

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  11. You certainly have made a name in blogland with your gorgeous textures and finishes, Rosemary! Everything you touch turns into a thing of beauty! :)

    xoxo laurie

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  12. I get so excited to see your blog everyday, everything is wonderful. I like (love) all the same things. When you say you use wax do you mean like a paste wax?
    Dido

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