Go to metallic finishes

[hdtheater]

I have been doing some searching on different metallic finishes.

I have used rub n buff for some small stuff and metallic finishes from a rattle can over the last few years, but it just doesn't come to the level of quality I want anymore. Maybe it's a sign I am getting better at this.

I am leaning towards buying some samples of the modern masters brand to play with.

For those that have used them, is there a particular color you go to for bronze, copper, pewter, etc...

Is there another brand you like over modern masters?

[dealguy11]

I've had much better results with SculptNouveau

[Rcnewcomb]

Another vote for SculptNouveau It is very easy to work with, cleans up with water, and is designed for outdoor applications.

[hdtheater]

What type of materials have you used it on? I haven't graduated to HDU yet and still work mostly with foam and MDF.

Do you prefer to spray or brush on?

Thanks,

-Eric

[bluridg]

I've used it on mdf and pine I seal w/ shellac then apply two coats of base color any way you want. application of the tarnish depends on the look you want. some of the sculptures shown were probably sprayed then wiped or sanded off the high points. I've started applying the tarnish with a sponge giving a doppled effect. ted

[Rcnewcomb]

I use it on MDF with Zinser primer underneath. Type B is less expensive and easy to experiment with. Type C is a 2 part mixture that yields a harder surface that can be shined to a certain extent.

[dealguy11]

I generally spray it on. That way I don't see the brush marks when I polish some of the tarnish off once it dries. For certain kinds of metals, the brush strokes might be ok, but I think spraying better simulates the surface of metal.

[Rcnewcomb]

Steve,
For spraying do you thin it with water? What ratio?

I've always been a foam brush guy but sometimes the brush marks still show up.

[dealguy11]

Last time we sprayed it was a large piece so we used an airless sprayer, which didn't require thinning at all. In the past, I have thinned with water. You have to use a large aperture because the paint does tend to gunk up the sprayer.

[hdtheater]

Could you use an HVLP gun if thinned?

Appreciate the feedback. I have a run of plaques to do and while I won't have to finish them, I want to see what it would take if I did. I may want to add finishing the next time in my bid.

[dealguy11]

I've never had much luck spraying paint with an hvlp gun. I'm told there are some who make it work by mixing windshield wiper fluid as a thinner and wetting agent. I've had better luck with a regular sprayer.