Weathering and Distressing Techniques
Got a brand-new piece of metal that you'd love to make look old and worn? How about some wood? Or glass? Using a few tools, some simple solutions and a sprinkling of know-how, we'll get that distressed look that will turn your new material into an artifact quicker than you can say Antiques Roadshow!

REQUIRED TOOLS:

* 2 small wooden hinged-lid boxes from Michael's You know the kind, for decoupage, etc. You can choose the type with a screened top or solid, either one (or both!). They only cost a dollar each, so bring a few extras if you want to. These will be our practice surfaces to get the techniques down.

* Safety glasses/goggles

* Safety gloves (lightweight ones will be best, for dexterity)

• Scraps/objects to work with: Wood, metal, glass...either found objects or raw material... Bring plenty of bits and pieces to add to our projects.

• Rawhide hammer - <Here> Choose a 1 1/2" or 1 3/4" face.

• A basic Chisel, for scratching surfaces

• Rebar tie wire' (found for under $10 in hardware stores in the construction materials section, near the cinder block and chain-link fencing. IMPORTANT: make sure it is steel or iron wire, NOT galvanized!...it should be dark grey-black - see here for a picture of exactly what you're looking for) If met with blank stares, tell them it's for tying rebar-rod together. NOTE: You won't need to haul in the whole roll, as it's quite heavy - spool off a few yards and bring it with you and you'll have plenty!

• Acrylic paints: Basic set of five or more colors (make sure there's black!)

• Plastic Film Canisters or disposable cups to hold paint mixtures

• Acrylic gloss varnish

• Small awl or scribe (basically, any sharp pointy rod of metal)

• Brush: a few different sizes if you have them

• Sandpaper - Very rough grit paper, such as #40 or 60, as well as a few sheets of medium or fine wet-dry paper available in any hardware store

• Files: Just one will do, any medium-size flat file

• Dirt: Take some simple dirt from outside, dry it out thoroughly on a paper-towel, and bring it in a little container

• Patina solution: Here's the absolute best one... If you can't find the Jax, any stained glass supply will have a bottle of Novacan Black solder patina <here>. (NOTE: Airlines are not allowing corrosive fluids onboard planes...if you are driving, please bring what you can so us flyers can make do...not much will be needed)

• DAP brand KWIK-SEAL Kitchen & Bath caulk- CLEAR: Available at Home Depot and other hardware stores... or of course <here>.

• Tin of beeswax furniture polish

• Rags/paper towels

 

Please email me with any questions you might have that this page didn't address.

See you there! Keith