We decided to paint the compass star look like it was cast in copper and bronze. The lettering will be 23K gold for extra pop. We used Modern Masters acrylic metallic paint for the copper effect. This metallic paint is brilliant and, in our experience, holds up well outside. Best of all we can apply it, by hand, with a brush. A little paint goes a long, long way. We whipped on two quick coats of gold, purposely going well onto where the copper would go next. When we applied the copper we only needed to cut in once making the job quick. The copper covers extremely well but we gave it a second coat of copper to be sure. The piece was extremely bright at this point but we will tone it down with glazes.
The first glaze we applied was a rich caramel color. The glaze is put on thick in small sections and then wiped off with a small soft towel. We have to work quick to keep a wet edge between areas. After the first light coloured glaze the textures start to pop.
Once the first glaze is dry it is time for a second glaze. The second glaze was a dark chocolate with a hint of metallic purple to deepen the shadows. We need to work from top to bottom, jumping quickly from back to front and side to side to avoid dry lines between segments.
The sign will dry in the warm studio overnight, waiting for tomorrow's finishing touch. We’ll be adding the 23K gold to the lettering. In the next instalment, we’lll take some pictures of the gilding process and show just how easy this amazing technique is.