Creative Finishing Techniques

[maximus]

I recently made a set of picture frames for my girlfriend. Instead of just painting or staining them she helped me to gold leaf them. The end result was pretty cool. We distressed the finish a bit to give them an aged look and, I admit, I'm pretty proud of the end result. I'll definitely be looking for ways to work this technique into future projects.

Does anyone else have any creative finishing suggestions? I'm all ears!

 

[Harry]

We went through a rag painting phase where we dipped rags into various paints and rag-rolled the walls. It's hard to describe, but you paint the wall a base color and do the rolling over it. The result is a unique effect, especially if you use textured rags and thick layers of paint.

 

[Sidekick]

Harry, we did a wall in our home that way. It's the wall behind our table in the breakfast nook. We painted it a pale, pale yellow. Then we dipped rolled canvas scraps and cotton rags and sort of scrunched them up before dipping them lightly in paint of contrasting colors. Then we dabbed bits of blue, green, pink and white on top of the yellow. These were the same colors in my breakfast china. The effect is a little European, a little Impressionist and a little like Cezanne. I can't describe it, but we love it.

 

[Sparrow1]

I love gold leafing! Have you tried other metal leaf colors, maximus? I really like the black metal leaf. You apply it in the same manner that you would with regular gold leaf but the end result it completely different. If you liked the gold leaf you should definitely try other colors.

Another creative finishing technique is decoupage. It is a bit like collage but it's more durable.

 

[BldrsWife]

Stenciling is another way to create a unique design on a frame. I like to balance the design I make but it also looks nice when it's offset.

 

[dhampton]

Another great look for picture frames is cracking paint. It's very easy to use and makes the frame look as old as...well...me!

 

[maximus]

Thanks for the awesome suggestions. I'll definitely try other metal leaf colors and crackle paint sounds interesting. I've have used crackle paint in the past but it never occurred to me to use it for woodworking products!

 

[Harry]

Dhampton, you know you don't look as ancient as that old crackle paint does. I agree -- it's a great way to add interest to picture frames and newer woods to look old. Distressed features on furniture and accessories add charm in a way that those new, shiny pieces lack.

 

[woodcrafts]

I have never tried any of these! I would love to know more about them all. Crackling paint? That just sounds pretty cool. I have no idea what gold leaf or metal leaf is either. Care to share what that even means? I can't wait to hear!

 

[maximus]

I looked up a little more information about gold leafing, and it turns out the kind I used was imitation. Therefore, it was just metal leaf, the kind Sparrow suggested. Real gold leaf is expensive. Regular metal leaf comes in tons of colors and is much more affordable.

Basically it's very thin sheets of foil which can be used to decorate various surfaces. You need some kind of adhesive for the leaf to stick to. I just bought an aerosol can of adhesive meant for metal leafing from a local art store. You can buy kits that come with everything you need to get started.