Decorative painter Marie McGehee creates a striped lampshade using glistening gold leaf. Materials:
Plain metal lampshade
Optional: cream-colored latex spray paint
1/2" painter's tape
Gold-leaf adhesive
Gold leaf (available in sheets 3 3/8" square; you'll probably need at least two sheets to cover a small lampshade)
1" paintbrush
2" paintbrush
4" soft-bristled Chinese brush
Mineral spirits
Cotton swabs
Clean rag
Fruitwood wood stain
Soft paper towels
- Metal lampshades often come with a painted surface. If yours is unpainted, apply a coat of cream-colored latex spray paint, and let dry.
- Wrap 1/2" painter's tape around the lampshade in horizontal stripes (figure A). The placement doesn't need to be precise. Press the edges of the tape firmly to the shade.
- Use a 1" brush to apply a layer of gold-leaf adhesive to the untaped areas of the shade (figure B). Let the adhesive dry about 5 minutes, until it's tacky to the touch.
- To prevent the fine, tissue-like gold leaf from blowing around, do your project in a very still area. Carefully position a sheet of gold leaf on the shade, covering as much of the sticky area as possible. Use a Chinese brush or another soft-bristled brush to gently tap the gold-leaf sheet to the surface (figure C). Allow to dry for about 10 minutes.
- Peel the taped strips from the shade (figure D). Remove any adhesive left on the shade with a cotton swab dipped in mineral spirits (figure E), and wipe clean with a dry rag.
- Use a 2" brush to apply fruitwood wood stain to the entire shade (figure F). Marie suggests Benjamin Moore stain to achieve proper consistency and tone for the antiquing procedure.
- Before the stain dries, crumple a few soft paper towels, and pounce the lampshade (figure G). This is called "ragging off" and adds a rich look to the surface.
RESOURCES :
Benjamin Moore Information
Benjamin Moore
Website: www.benjaminmoore.com
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