[Woodcarver] Ebonize question

[maricha]

hi jean,

ebonizing is quite easy, after you have carved your sculpture use, a
concoction of vinegar and steel wool, makes the liquid go real black, so you
apply this with the steel wool onto your timber, until the shade of black
you wish is enough, let it dry then, i polish with my favourite wax.

other methods, are by painting black paint on the timber, one or two coats,
sanding in between each coating, then applying antiqueing wax and spit and
polish.  the friction of your hands on the wax and polish gives it a lovely
patina.

Packaged Bronze  Faux Finish. you can by the ready made mixtures, which has
a  bronze paint, then a brown paint and a white sort of green. following the
instructions carefully, painting it on, then using a sponge for the effect
of spots splashes . then let it dry well,  and you will have a good result.

however, my favorite is using jo sonja's .. all purpose or wood sealer. let
it dry well. then apply jo sonja's gold paint, two coats evenly with a wide
brush in a cross hatched way to ensure capturing the lights and shadows by
the little ridges of the brush strokes. when dried completely, one coat of
umber, you may add a bit of water to make it more fluid.  when dried, mix
your favourite green paint, one part of green to six of titanium white and 2
ounces of water (about 1/4 cup) and paint it on and let it drip a bit, and
as it drips, dry it with hairdryer and a round brush in a sponging manner to
get a spongy texture. when it is thoroughly dried, apply black wax, (be sure
it does not contain silicone) with a sponge or round brush, then brush and
polish.  then one coat of clear antique wax , ensuring that all crevices are
waxed, again with a lot of elbow grease and a good bristle brush shine it.
if some areas are too dard or not enough gold is coming through for your
liking, dub with a rag and a bit of turpentine on those areas which you wish
more gold to shine through, or green etc.  then apply the clear antic wax
and polish, remove any excess wax and bringing up a great finish.

hope this helps a bit, jean.
cheers
maricha