A treatment for the ages

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/11/2006 (7085 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR Debbie — I have had an old cast iron furnace grate sandblasted to remove all the rust, and I’d like to use it as a permanent hot plate on my kitchen counter. Rather than a glossy paint finish, I’m looking for a technique that would look worn and well used. Thank you for your help with my decorating dilemma.

–Susan

DEAR Susan — I applaud your recycling efforts. Applying an aged patina is easy with the kits now available to help you. For my TV shows Painted House and Facelift, and in my own home, I have transformed concrete urns, plaster moulds, plastic columns and simple wood shelves into artistic design pieces using this technique.

The idea is to build up a ‘new’ metallic surface and then add texture and dimension with an antiquing solution that accelerates nature’s oxidation process. Before your eyes you can watch the process, as an inexpensive flowerpot changes into a copper vessel layered with years of verdigris or rust. Update an ordinary bookshelf or desk to the look and feel of modern steel. Add the rich glow of bronze edging to furniture by applying to wooden claw feet, straight legs or arm rests. This process also works well on room mouldings and baseboards, and trim around windows and doors. For doorknobs or switchplates — anything that is going to be handled or rubbed against — it’s advisable to seal the patina finish as the natural metals in the solution will rub off.

Sophisticated Finishes from Triangle Coatings has an excellent variety of metallic surfacers and antiquing solutions to create the natural look and feel of solid metal and metal that has undergone the aging process. They are designed for use on interior and exterior projects, and are as durable and beautiful as real metal. These products can be applied to any paintable surface, including glass and ceramics. However, as with paint, slippery surfaces must be primed first with a primer/sealer designed to give the necessary grip so that what you are applying will adhere.

The company offers a chart that tells you if your project’s surface requires a primer or rust retardant, and then gives step by step instructions for applying their products. You employ the same tools as for painting, regular or sponge paintbrushes, and clean, lint-free rags for special effects. And the great news is that wash-up is with soap and water as the products are water-based.

As for our reader’s furnace grate — although the old dirt and rust have been removed, the iron will rust again unless it is first coated with a rust retardant. You can then proceed with your choice of finishes. The front urn in the photograph shows an Iron Metallic Surfacer aged with Patina Blue and Patina Green Antiquing Solutions. Since you already have the authentic metal surface, only the antiquing solutions would be required.

View the ingenious line of patina-producing products on www.patina.com.

Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please e-mail your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.