I LOVE THIS RUST PATINA FINISH! Like the good ole rusty crusty finish of something that's sat outside for years!!!
I remember the very first time I used the Patina collection. I was mostly drawn to the teals and blues that copper offers from exposure.
I think I became distracted by this and never really honed in on the actual RUST that could be created within just a few hours and it looks so real!
Over the last couple of years I haven't used the Patina collection much. I've just been distracted by lots of other goodies! Well, I'm head over heels in love with this new addition to the sprays!
The Yellow Patina spray!
I cannot WAIT to show you what I've been experimenting with...and the gorgeous results!
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Watch this week's Rust Patina Finish YouTube video.
Please watch my YouTube video showing in more detail how I used Yellow Patina spray to create a rust patina finish on this treasure box. And leave a comment telling me what you think!!
Time to Start Experimenting
Ok, I'll be honest.
When I first saw this product I didn't understand the need for it. Why couldn't I just use yellow paint to achieve the same effect.
So I set out to experiment and this is what I discovered.
Yellow Patina Spray Test Run
I used small cutting boards from Hobby Lobby.
I applied each metallic paint from the Patina Collection to each raw board (copper/bronze/iron)
Testing Yellow Patina Spray By Itself
I followed the patina directions....apply metallic paint, let dry, apply second coat of metallic paint and spray reactive spray of choice while second coat is still wet....and wait.
So I applied the yellow spray to each metallic board and let dry for about 8 hours.
There was a VERY small difference in the result....and very little reaction.
The copper had a slight blue hue. The bronze had a slight green hue. The iron went a bit orange in hue.
Nothing to write home (or a blog) about. LOL! See what I did there?
Using Yellow and Green Patina Spray Together
I knew I was missing something so I went at it again.
I added a bit more copper and iron paint.....and this time I sprayed BOTH the yellow and the green spray!
Here's why... I've experimented A LOT with the other two reactive sprays (blue and green) and I know what paint to use and what spray to use to get specific colors.
So I wondered what would happen if I used the green spray with the iron, as it promotes rust, and with the copper as it promotes green. And then spritzed in a little of the yellow reactive spray to see how it brightened the dark rust that was usually achieved!
And it worked!
I got really good orange and yellow rust with bits of patina green!!
My boards weren't pretty....but the rust patina finish results were there.
Supplies Used
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More Inspiration: Patina Projects
Patina is so fun to use because you get a different look every time. Here are so other Patina projects for your inspiration:
Rust & Roses Dresser - a feminine dresser with patina for a little edge
Terracotta Pot Makeover - take your terracotta pots to the next level with Patina
Gator Patina Dresser - the gorgeous greens and blue and of course gator!
Leopard Patina Grudge Dresser - zebra, leopard, patina all in one piece!
Patina Round Up - all the patina pieces in one blog with details of what to expect with each reaction
Time to take it to something bigger!
Before Rust Patina Finish
This treasure box...
And this time...I had an inspiration photo!
Starting with Texture
I painted over this adorable box with a mix of Sea Spray (for texture) and Coffee Bean.
I just added a heaping teaspoon to about 4 oz of paint. Stirred well and brushed it on with stippling for added texture.
And just for a little added texture because you can never have too much....I used my croc roller over the wet paint. Just roll and done. I felt the croc went well with the treasure chest vibe.
WoodUBend Mold for More Visual Appeal
I decided AFTER the fact that I wanted to add a centerpiece mold to the box.
So I painted the mold and glued it into place front and center.
One More Layer of Color
I created a custom mix for the next layer.
I used about 4 oz of Rusty Nail, 2 heaping teaspoons of Sea Spray, and one teaspoon of Coffee Bean and mixed well.
I brushed and stippled this very thick mixture on sloppily...heavier in some areas and dry brushing in others. Read more about Sea Spray texturing HERE.
I even used the straight coffee bean mixture back over the rust in some areas.
Once dry, I followed one more time with a very thin and dry layer of the Rusty Nail color which really highlighted the created texture - especially the croc print.
Bring on the PATINA!!!
I used all three metals: copper, iron and bronze!
Apply the Patina Paint
I applied them heavily on the centerpiece mold as I really wanted a good reaction here.
PRO TIP: Remember, you must always do two coats of metal paint. So paint and let dry....repaint and then spray.
Apply the Patina Reactive Spray
For some reason I did not get a photo or video of applying the spray....but I used the green spray just as I did on the test boards.
The difference is I used the green spray BEFORE I added the yellow spray.
I immediately followed with the yellow spray.....and then sprayed with the green spray again.
This causes the yellow spray to "run off" and move....which it then catches on all the texture I had created and settles into those place.
I was very careful to not spray OFF the yellow spray....instead I guided it where I wanted it.
I also used a small brush to apply some of the yellow spray to specific areas....and watch it run off through the legs of patina spray already there.
It's like creating fluid art!
Both the yellow and green spray have a reaction and dry with the most amazing crust that you just can't get with paint!
The Finished Look: Rust Patina Finish
Like this!!! Would you look at that?? Isn't this rust patina finish absolutely amazing?
My take away is this.....the yellow spray is not a stand alone product but is a fantastic addition to the patina sprays already available!
I could not have achieved this multi-tonal rusty finish without it!
I encourage you to zoom in on this finish!
Study the look. Imagine the texture.
Check out the "legs" of the rust as if it happened over years of exposure to water and moisture! The yellow highlights are insane!
I cannot wait to share next weeks LARGER version of this same finish....in its own unique result!
I hope you will give this a try! Be prepared to feel like a scientist! It is SO MUCH FUN!
More Inspiration: Patina Projects
Patina is so fun to use because you get a different look every time. Here are so other Patina projects for your inspiration:
Rust & Roses Dresser - a feminine dresser with patina for a little edge
Terracotta Pot Makeover - take your terracotta pots to the next level with Patina
Gator Patina Dresser - the gorgeous greens and blue and of course gator!
Leopard Patina Grudge Dresser - zebra, leopard, patina all in one piece!
Patina Round Up - all the patina pieces in one blog with details of what to expect with each reaction
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