Some of you may remember the mirror I made using cavity caps.
I received many emails asking me about the paint technique I used.
Cavity caps are used between concrete block cells to stop mortar infiltration.
I also heard from many of you that your local Lowe's or hardware store doesn't carry them, or even know what they are.
I guess it's a regional product, for that reason I decided I would sell them in my ETSY store.
For my mirror project I wanted the metal squares to look aged and distressed.
The first thing you need to do is wipe off the front with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue leftover from the manufacturing process. This will allow the paint to adhere better.
My favorite brush to use when doing an aged finish is a chip brush, you can find it at most craft and hardware stores.
Because the chip brush has uneven and natural bristles it doesn't cover like a regular paint brush, and trust me this is a good thing when you are try to achieve an aged distressed finish.
Apply one light coat of you favorite acrylic craft paint, let dry. If you impatient like me you can speed up the drying time using a hair dryer.
Once dry, apply a second coat, in the same or different direction as the first coat, doing this will add more texture and complete coverage is not necessary.
After it's completely dry, rub steel wool over the top in different directions until you achieve the worn look you are looking for.
Then liberally apply a one step crackle to the top and let completely dry.
I like to use DecoArt's crackle finish.
Once the crackle dries, it will have a somewhat shinny appearance (which will disappear once the antique finish is applied).
The crackle is hard to see at this point but will show up nicely once an antiquing wash/glaze is applied.
I like to thin down burnt umber acrylic craft paint to use as my antiquing glaze. You can also used a purchased antiquing glaze for this step.
Just thin the down the burnt umber brown paint with a little with water and apply with a clean chip brush, let set for just a second and blot off the same way you would blot a stain up from the carpet.
Continue to wipe or blot until you achieve the desired look. Multiple layers of the antiquing wash can be applied until you get the look you're after.
I applied several coats of the burnt umber wash for this look.
To protect the finish, apply a spray matte or satin clear coat to the top,(this step is optional).
It's so easy and fun to do this project, and the color options are endless.
Remember if your local store doesn't carry cavity caps and you would love to try this project you can find them Here.
