Painting on Bronze

Add color to your favorite bronze items.

Though bronze is a rich, beautiful metal on its own, sometimes a bit of paint can complement its pale golden luster. As when painting other metals, surface preparation is a significant part of the process. In come cases, the smooth surface of the bronze may repel paint or cause excessive dripping. If this is your first time painting bronze, avoid beginning on a valuable antique piece. Instead, select a piece of bronze scrap metal to hone your skill.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic spray bottle
• Ammonia
• Safety goggles
• Mouth mask
• Soft cloths
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Bonding spray primer
• Lacquer spray paint

Instructions

1. Fill a plastic spray bottle halfway with ammonia. Top off the rest of the bottle with warm water. Don your safety goggles and mouth mask.

2. Spray the solution generously over the bronze piece, and wipe clean with a soft cloth. Repeat until the bronze is completely clean.

3. Rub the bronze evenly with a sheet of fine-grit sandpaper, to maximize the adhesion of the primer and paint. Wipe the bronze clean using a damp cloth.

4. Apply a light coat of bonding spray primer to the bronze. After the first coat dries fully, apply a second coat. Allow the second coat to dry for the time suggested on the can.

5. Spray a light base coat of lacquer paint over the primed surface of the bronze. Work in smooth passes to ensure even coverage. Allow this coat to dry fully before applying two additional coats. Let these dry for the time suggested on the can.

Tips & Warnings

• Work in a bright, well-ventilated area.

• If drip marks occur, sand the area smooth and reapply a light touch of paint.

• Never store your primer or paint cans near high heat or open flame.

References

• Review Painting: Lacquer
• Metal Paint: 10 Tips for Painting Steel Objects