Refinishing and/or Restoring Metal Statuary or Ornamentation

by  Ben Fulbright
copyright August, 1998

The following techniques have been written by Ben based on his own experience in his workshop. They are not techniques expressly recommended by the BHI, but are given here so that you can try Ben's ideas for yourselves. Neither Ben or the BHI are responsible for  any damage caused by you in attempting these ideas. We highly recommend that you try it out on something that is your own and not a customers, at least until you are happy that the technique works for you. Last but by no means least, DO NOT do this on a customers statue without their permission first!

If the patina of any piece of white metal ornamentation or statuary is poor, restoration may be worthy of consideration.  The following procedure will work, however, you should be prepared to spend considerable time in trial and error or just practice, but the results will be well worth the effort you put into it.

1.  Thoroughly clean all pieces with Spic-n-Span, Mr. Clean, or any good non-abrasive and non-volatile cleaning agent.  Clean each piece several times and rinse thoroughly each time.

2.  Apply a dilute solution of ammonia (2% to 4% concentration) to the metal and rinse carefully and thoroughly.  This is available in grocery stores as "household ammonia."  Repeat several times.  The ammonia will open the pores of the metal and make it more receptive to the following steps.

3.  Dry each piece thoroughly with a hair drier or better yet, in an oven at a temperature of  250-275 degrees.  Let it set overnight and dry it once more.   The slightest hint of moisture will totally eliminate any hopes of a good and attractive finish.  The next step should be while the piece is warm to the touch, but not hot.

4.  Spray each piece with a red oxide metal primer (available at your local automotive parts  store).  Apply several very thin coats.  Scuff   slightly before the final coat with fine steel wool or an available substitute.   Be sure to turn the material over and upside down to get the primer in all nooks and crevasses.  Allow this  to dry at least one full day, maybe longer.

5.  Apply a matte finish over the entire piece using flat finish spray enamel in one of the following colours: ecru,  gold, yellow, tan, brown, ochre, or taupe, again in several very thin coats, scuffing before the final coat with a very fine abrasive.   Be sure to turn the piece over and upside down to get the enamel  in all crevasses.  The matte or flat finish is very  important because it will aid in acceptance and retention of colour added in the next step.  Allow the piece to dry three or four days, regardless of the instructions on the can.

6.  With a soft cloth (old tee-shirt) wipe artist's oil paint, colour BURNT SIENNA or THALO BRONZE over the metal.  Be generous in the application of this colour.   Work the colour into all the nooks and crannies of the piece with an old tooth brush.

7.  Immediately, before the oil paint dries, wipe off the excess with another soft cloth.

8.  Allow the oil paint to dry at least overnight, maybe longer. 

9.  Using yet a different soft cloth, buff vigorously the surface of  the metal.  On high spots the paint undercoat may show through, as though reflecting an ageing of the patina.

10. BURNT SIENNA oil over a nutmeg-y  brown colour will give the piece a rich chocolate brown finish and patina.  THALO BRONZE over the tan or ochre will make a rich greenish-bronze-y finish.  Other combinations of matte finish paints and artist oil will provide a broad variety of coloured patinas.  Acrylic artist's paints work well too, but they dry much faster and produce a different, although quite pleasing appearance.  There is no substitute for practice; and with practice, you can produce a project in which you may be justifiably proud.

11. Optionally, coat the finished product with a good sprayed lacquer finish.

12. The final instruction is:  Take your time!  Rushing any one of the steps above may be disastrous.  However, should disaster strike, just clean the material (you will have to use a solvent or perhaps even paint remover) and start all over

---

Index of Hints and Tips