AboutEileen Cronk Expertise If you are decorating your home on a budget I can answer most questions about what to look for when buying "good old stuff" at garage sales, yard sales or auctions. I can answer most questions about the refinishing, and repairing of wood items. I have had lots of experience in this area and made lots of mistakes over the years which I may help you avoid.
Experience I have been haunting auction sales,flea markets etc. for 30 yrs. I have worked extensively at refinishing, and repairing all the old stuff I bring home. I also work for other people, and do repairs and refinishing for several antique stores.
Question I am decorating my Living Room and I inherited this lovely and large gold leaf antique mirror. I want to tone down the gold by maybe some fauxing technique adding black over the gold but would like to still see the gold throught the black. Is this something you know about. Should I hire an expert and if so what do I llok up to find the expert?
Answer Hi Beth
Nice to hear from you.
Yes this is something I know about.
I have done this many times.
Always turns out great too.
Go to your local craft store and get "black antique gel".
This comes in those small bottles like our craft paints.
You may need two if the mirror is really large.
Assemble some clean soft rags.
For a large area I would squeeze a good portion of the gel into a saucer.
Use a brush about 2 inches wide on this large mirror.
Paint one side of the mirror at a time.
Work quickly. Get into the creavices. Don't worry about streaks or runs.
Then before the glaze dries, wipe back with rags till you get your desired look.
Leave as little or much of the black on as you like.
Continue to next side etc.
Thats it.
Good Luck with this great project.
Eileen
