Bronzing has a number of creative and decorative uses.
One of the most common examples of bronzing is an image of a pair of baby shoes, preserved with a metallic finish. But while bronzing baby shoes is a well-known tradition, applying bronze is one way of adding decorative touches to all kinds of items. Whatever the object, bronzing requires the use of basic supplies.
Denatured Alcohol
Before starting the process, clean the object you want to bronze with denatured alcohol. This will remove any dirt or oil from the surface that might prevent the bronze from adhering evenly. Use a soft cotton cloth to apply the alcohol and wait for it to fully dry before proceeding.
Bronze Solution
The amount of bronze solution you prepare will depend on the size of the object being bronzed, but the chemical formula is always the same. Most bronze solutions consist of bronze powder, water and a finishing agent. Some also use lead acetate, sulfuric acid and sodium hyposulphite. Read the directions carefully on any bronze powder mix to know which chemicals to add and in what amounts. Mix the solution just before you plan to use it and make no more than you need, since it will dry out fairly quickly.
Brushes
To apply the bronze finish, use a soft-bristle artist's brush. Camels hair brushes work well but are often expensive. Other animal hairs or synthetic brushes will work in most situations as long as the brush is new and soft. Use brushes of several different sizes, with large brushes to paint large surfaces and smaller brushes for narrow corners and other hard to reach areas.
Sealer
To give your bronzed object a glossy finish, use a commercial metal sealer. Apply it with the same kind of brushes as the bronze solution, making sure to apply it evenly and only once the bronze is fully dry. Skip this step if you want a softer or antiqued finish.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Plastic tubs work well for mixing and containing the bronze solution. A soft cotton cloth is best for cleaning up spills or dabbing off globs of bronze if you accidentally apply too much. Finally, a plastic paint stirrer works well for mixing the bronze solution and making sure that it stays smooth as you work with it.
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