Get An Oil Bronze Finish With Paint

How Do I Get an Oil Bronze Finish With Paint?

Everything old is new again. Though an oil-rubbed bronze finish gives items a historic look, this finish is entirely modern due to its rampant popularity. This faux finishing technique is appropriate for light installations, drawer pulls and cabinet handles, picture frames and any other items that will accept spray paint. Applying an oil-rubbed bronze finish to all of the accessories or fixtures in a room is a cheap and easy way to accomplish a mini-makeover.

Buying Supplies

To complete this project, you will need three types of spray paint: a black indoor/outdoor spray primer, a copper metallic spray paint and an oil-rubbed bronze spray paint. Several companies are now offering spray paints in a variety of metallic finishes, so you can choose the one that fits your taste and budget. You will also need some 20-grit sandpaper or textured primer spray.

Preparation

It is a good idea to cover the area where you plan to do your painting with a tarp. Somewhere outside is ideal, as small flecks of paint may end up on surfaces some distance away. If there are any areas on the item that you do not want to refinish that should not be sprayed, be sure to wrap them. You can use old newspaper or paper and secure it with masking tape or painter's tape for delicate items. The spray paint needs a textured surface to adhere to. If your chosen item is slick, a light sanding or an application of textured primer will provide the grip needed for the spray paint. Be sure that the item is clean, dry and dust free, especially if it has been sanded.

Painting

Follow the directions on the can and spray two thin coats of the black spray paint onto the item. Be careful not to add too much paint at one time, or it may bubble up and prevent the finish from being smooth. If your item has two sides, make sure the front is dry before you turn it over to paint the back. Apply two coats of the copper metallic paint on top of the black. The black paint ensures that the color of the copper metallic is consistent over the entire piece. Spray a coat of the oil-rubbed bronze paint over the copper metallic paint. You should not cover the entire surface of the item, but let the copper finish underneath show through. You can spray as much or as little of the oil-rubbed bronze paint to get the result you want.

Tags: spray paint, oil-rubbed bronze, copper metallic, bronze finish, Bronze Finish With