How to Create Patina Finishes

By combining paint, metal leaf, and some chemical reactions, you can create interesting effects on a variety of surfaces.

- David J. Marks

Creating a Patina finish can transform any object into a work of art. I have used these methods for over 3 decades with excellent results. My art pieces have sold for thousands of dollars and won awards using the very same techniques that I'm sharing with you here.

Surface Preparation

I begin with surface preparation. Sealing the surface, be it wood, plastic, metal, ceramic, or even vegetables like gourds, can be easily done with shellac. Sometimes I mix my own, but I find it easier to purchase it already mixed.

My work involves multiple layers and color is a big part of the process. I like the Zinsser BIN primer which is alcohol-based and dries fast. The white color gives a perfect background for the other layers of color.

I like to spray finishes, when possible, for speed and lack of brush marks. Shellac bonds well to just about any surface. I apply a couple of coats and sand it smooth between coats with 220 grit sandpaper.

Color & Size Preparation

The next step is to apply some color. I like to use Japan paints because of their rich colors. I thin them with Naphtha, although paint thinner works too. It's just slower drying. I pour it through a paint filter and spray it on. An inexpensive spray gun works fine as long as you add enough solvent to make it flow.