Faux Lead

Faux Lead is a great finish for adding visual weight to an object, giving it a more solid appearance. This is a paint technique well suited to stamped metal ceiling panels or, as with terracotta, planters. With so many environmental problems associated with the use of real lead, it's easy to see why faux painted lead has become so popular. It offers all of the beauty without the negative health hazards. This is an easy to apply finish, requiring only a handful of colors and supplies.

Lead:  Grey Base Coat - Matte Silver Spray Bomb - Watered Down Black Latex - Watered Down White Latex 

faux lead

lead

Paint the entire surface with the mid-gray latex. Allow it to dry for one hour.

 

Take your silver paint bomb and lightly tap the top with a small stick of wood.  This will create a splatter of tiny droplets. Allow it to dry for 4 hours.

 

Paint the watered down black mixture in light random strokes. Make sure you get the application in darker and lighter areas, paying close attention to the recessed areas. Follow this up by dabbing a clean rag on the black paint, removing a good portion of it.

After the black has dried completely, repeat the process using the watered down white latex. Follow the same steps as with the black.

 

To summarize:  

faux lead finishThe faux lead finish is definitely one of the easier faux finishes that one can complete. Using only a few colors and basic materials, one can create a beautiful rustic finish.

This finish is suitable for a variety of surfaces, from ceilings to window trims. A faux lead finish is an easy and classy looking finish that is relatively easy to achieve. Enjoy!

 

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