Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/8/2007

Question
Hi,
A number of years ago I bought several kits that included a base color and a top coat that was sparingly applied and then rubbed down with cheese cloth.  These worked very well and the pieces have held up nicely.  I am wondering if these sorts of kits are still available and where I might find them.  Thank you.
Ann

Answer
Hi Ann
Nice to hear from you.
This is so strange Ann.
Last week I purchased 2 of these kits.
Unfortunately, they came from a flea market stall, and I have not seen them for sale recently.
I was thinking perhaps with a price tag of 3.00 a kit they may be dried out, but they were OK.
The base was a gold spray and the top coat was a brown.
The brown was applied and wiped back as you say.
I did 2 old plaster frames and they were awesome.
But...you do not need a kit to accomplish the look.
Go to your craft store or hardware for the spray paint.
This could be silver, gold, or any color you choose as long as its not too dark. If its too dark of course the wipe back step will not show up.
Then at your craft store (the only place I found that sells this), get "antiquing gel". This is what you rub on and wipe back with the rag. It comes in browns greys and black.
Now if you want to be real creative with different colors, or if the store does not carry the antiquing gel, you can make your own by adding any color craft paint to clear glaze (the craft store always has this).
A bit of mixing will be needed, but I find about 1/2 and 1/2 of each works (or a tad bit less color).
Just fiddle a bit till its pleasing to you.
Then after the spray paint dries, I just cover the area with the glaze mixture, and before it dries wipe back till it suits you.
On a very large area working in sections is best.
Good Luck and a great question.
Kindest Regards
Eileen