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Last spring I picked up this bench while junking. It has been sitting in my garage waiting to be painted. I have a fun idea in mind for what to do with it and want to try a faux metal finish. I checked out several tutorials and even created a Pinterest board called:
Before starting on the bench, I am practicing to see which technique to use. Here are the 2 boards that I practiced on. One is supposed to look more like zinc and one like brushed nickel. I started out by painted each board a dark gray color.
For the brushed nickle effect, I put gunmetal gray metallic acrylic paint on a chip brush and dabbed most of the paint off the brush onto a paper plate. Then, using long strokes, I brushed the paint on the board. It was super easy to do and looks pretty good when dry!
For the zinc effect, I coated the board with paste wax, spritzed it with water and sprayed on a metallic spray paint. Then, I sprayed on more water and let it dry overnight. In the morning, I brushed on a light gray wash (water and a bit of gray paint). I allowed the wash to dry and then did a second coat of the wash. I really liked the way it looked after the second coat dried. Then, I used more paste wax to finish the surface and now it looks more smooth and less aged and I don’t like it as much.
So, here are the 2 finishes close up. I’m not totally sold on either on. What do you think? I think I need to get a couple more boards and try a few more techniques. I would love to get your advice…
Have you ever done a faux metal finish on wood? How did you do it?
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Hello, I'm Tonia. Welcome to The Gunny Sack, my online place to inspire others through recipes, crafts and tutorials.
This is GORGEOUS!
Wow! I think you did a fantastic job!!
These kind of finishes are new to me.
Tonia, I really like them both! I thin k they are pretty!
I like the one on the left better. Can’t wait to see how it turns out.
That bench is great! I like both finishes … it depends how “clean” you want it to look. The one on the right is really clean looking and the one on the left has a bit more of a vintage feel. Both are great. I can’t wait to see the finished bench!
I have never done a faux metallic and I see them all the time and like them. Maybe over winter I’ll give it a try on something in the garage stockpile.
~Bliss~
Hmmm..I’m having a hard time deciding too. The one on the left is more of a vintagy look which is really popular right now. The one on the right has that modern, industrial look which looks pretty awesome too. Which ever you decide I know it’s going to look great!
Wow, that is really cool. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a faux metal finish. I like the one of a right because it is so smooth!
Both look great but I think if you found a shade of gray in between those two colors you would have what you are looking for. And I might sand off a bit of it here and there and then add your second coat for more depth.
Happy zincing! Love them btw!!!
Kim@reposhture.blogspot.com
this looks stunning, something I’ve never tried before.
I am looking for a faux brush nickel technique for fixtures that are outdated in rental and flip houses. Do you think this would work on metal and/or plastic surfaces or just wood?
Hi Angela! I think it would only work if you used paint that was specifically made for use on metal or plastic surfaces. Otherwise it would just peel right off.
Soft sandblast or lightly sand and use automobile primer then spray with the new Rustoleum Satin Nickel paint, also works on ceiling fan parts, cabinet hardware, chandeliers and bathroom light bars, etc.
Thanks Faith!