Create a Weathered Old World Finish

Using Fusion’s Fresco

 

 

I wanted to create an aged, weathered look on this shiny, silver plastic frame that I have had for a while. Frames and framing can get so expensive. I was looking for a budget friendly option! This frame came from a thrift store. It is a great size for a few prints that I have but I did not like the look of the frame. We know, looks can be changed!

 

 

I started with this list of items:

1. Fusion’s Fresco Powder
2. Fusion’s Chocolate paint (base color)
3. Fusion’s Algonquin & Cathedral Taupe
4. Fusion’s Salad Bowl finish
5. 5 paint brushes (there is time to clean your brush between coats, so you can easily use 2 brushes)

 

 

 

           

Fresco powder is a texturizing additive powder that is super easy to use. All you do is pour some paint into the powder. I used about a one to one ratio because I wanted to create a lot of texture. For this look, I want the mixture to be slightly runny but still chunky, almost the consistency of pancake batter. 

Mixing the Fresco powder and paint

When mixing, you don’t want to make the mixture smooth. You want the mixture to be some what chunky to create the texture. There is no exact science, just add more paint or more Fresco until you get the consistency you want. 

To apply the fresco, there is no need to use a good brush. You want to see brush strokes, chunks, etc. Just grab a brush and apply a little more haphazard and thicker than you normally paint a piece.

Let this first layer dry, it may take 30-45 mins. 

 

Apply 2nd layer of paint

The next step is to apply your second color. I used a fairly dry brush to apply the second layer. I did not want to completely cover up the fresco and chocolate. I want to create a layered look. I want this frame to look like it has layers of paint applied over the years and now the paint is wearing off due to weather and age.

 

Apply Paint Resist

Fusion’s salad bowl finish is a food safe product that has many different uses. It is a product used to seal wood bowls and cutting boards. It is also a great product to use when distressing a painted piece. I use this product as a paint resist. This means that paint will not adhere to this product. I randomly apply this product to various places on the frame. The paint will not adhere to the spots where the salad bowl finish is applied. 

 

Paint entire surface and sand back

I paint the next layer of paint over the entire surface and I allow the paint to dry. I can then easily wipe back the salad bowl finish and paint with a shop cloth. Then I sand back the paint with a 220 grit sand paper. The areas where I applied the salad bowl finish, the paint will be easy to remove.  If I do not use the paint resist, I have to work harder to remove the top layer of paint. Without the paint resist technique, I will often sand through all the layers of my paint, instead of just one layer. Thus, I have found that I am able to achieve the layered paint look more effectively if I use a paint resist layer.

Final Step

The final step is sanding back the top layer of paint. Often I will add a little more paint in spots and sand back various spots until I get the look I want. The final step is simply creating the look you want.

 

 

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