Natural Aging

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Colorways at LeslieStocker.com

Patina and verdigris come in many color combinations. For more ideas see Architectural Patina on an outdoor ornament, a luscious Turquoise on a cabinet drawer, a faux Verdigris painted with one color on an outdoor light, and a  Weathered Zinc finish on planters and flower pots.

Weathered Zinc

Today's post is a follow-up to Monday's Patina and Verdigris. I appreciate everyone's patience as I continue to learn how much information is too much and how much is not enough. My mailbox was full of questions so I'm going to interpret that as not enough.

When I first started using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint there were very few retailers(stockists) in the US. Virginia Weathersby of The Southern Institute of Faux Finishing was one of the few who sold it online. Many times included in my orders were suggestions for new projects with step by step instructions.  One of the projects was for an outdoor planter. I don't remember all the details, but basically, you painted your planter with 2 coats of Graphite and maybe another color.  The instructions were very clear to not use wax on anything left outside. I tried this on a few planters and they looked great not only that summer but every year since.

I have also painted wrought iron tables and chairs, a porch swing, my potting bench, plastic pots and many light fixtures with Chalk Paint.  I am never disappointed. The light below was originally a plated brass, that had seen better days. Graphite was used as the base coat (no primer or sanding). Since I wanted this to have a weathered zinc look, more blue, I used mostly Louis Blue and Louis Blue mixed with Provence and Old White. If you want a copper, verdigris(turquoise), color you can use Florence, Provence or Duck Egg Blue. For highlights use a mix of Old White and your color and brush it on the edges.  Fast and easy.

Patina and Verdigris

The original finish of this outdoor light when I purchased it from Horchow several years ago ( I think they still sell them) was a dark bronze.   I wanted to take some the "newness" off and give it a more vintage look. It is easy to create a verdigris finish with a variety of products. Some are easier to use than others and they vary in durability. I have tried many of them, but my favorite is Annie  Sloan Chalk Paint®.  Since this light fixture was already a dark finish, I skipped painting it with a first coat of Graphite that I usually do for brass. Using Duck Egg Blue ( you could also use Provence, Florence, Louis Blue) and a small sponge I dabbed it on, still allowing some of the bronze to remain visible. To add some highlights, a mix of the Duck Egg and Pure White was lightly added. 

That was all! Maybe 30 minutes from start to finish.  No wax, no polyurethane, no topcoat whatsoever.  Also no touch up needed since painting it 3 years ago. An easy, fast way to create a look of age and patina with Chalk Paint verdigris.