How to Do an Oil-Rubbed Bronze Finish

Create the subtle glow of antique bronze on light fixtures, hardware and other home décor items using glaze and bronze paint. The decorative paint treatment can transform worn or dated objects into like-new condition with a simple coat of paint and a little imagination. Bronze paint comes in both spray can and bottle varieties in a variety of different metallic shades from deep brown to yellow bronze colorations.

Things You'll Need

• Damp towel
• Cotton swabs
• Terry towel
• Large box
• Drop cloths
• Dark brown or black latex paint -- spray or liquid
• Paint brush
• Mini roller
• Bronze paint -- spray or liquid
• Clear glaze
• Dark umber latex paint
• Small paint bucket
• Stir stick
• Sea sponge

Instructions

1. Clean the item to be painted. Use a damp towel and remove and dirt and buildup on the item. Use small cotton swabs to clean grime from hard-to-reach crevices. Dry the item with a clean cotton or terry cloth towel.

2. Place the item in a large box or on top of a drop cloth. Paint the item with dark brown or black latex paint. Use spray paint if there are several hard-to-reach nooks and crannies difficult to reach with a paint brush. Hold the nozzle six to eight inches from the surface and release the paint. Move the spray paint left to right allowing the paint to cover the item. Do not oversaturate the item with paint. Rather, apply two or three light even coats instead of one thick coat. Use a paint brush or mini-roller to apply paint. Combine methods to ensure an overall opaque basecoat of brown or black. Allow the basecoat to dry four to six hours.

3. Apply the bronze paint using the same method above. Remember to apply several layers of paint instead of heavy coat to avoid paint drips. Understand that several coats of metallic paint may be necessary due to its high translucency.

4. Antique the item and give it an oil rubbed finish by adding glaze. Mix together one part glaze and one part paint. Use dark umber or black paint. Stir the glaze together with a wooden stir stick until an even consistency has formed.

5. Add the glaze to the item. Use a damp sea sponge or paint brush to apply the glaze. Manipulate the glaze while it is still wet, immediately after application. Use a terry towel or rag to blot or pounce the glaze. Continue to dab the glaze with the towel until the desired look is achieved. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves to avoid paint and glaze from penetrating skin.

• Open all windows and doors for additional circulation to avoid paint fume build up.

References

• The art of faux: the complete sourcebook of decorative painted finishes; Pierre Finkelstein; 2007.

Resources

• Muralsplus