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Cost: $ $ $ $ $

Difficulty: • • • • •

Time: 20 mins

Add color to your designs by painting Naked Brass with this quick technique.
Add color to your designs by painting Naked Brass with this quick technique. You can create a smooth layer of color on any Naked metal in just a few minutes. Try this on filigree and charms for a custom look.

Posted by Alison M. [Ornamentea.com] from Raleigh, North Carolina, United States • Published 9th June 2010 • See Alison M. [Ornamentea.com]'s 26 projects »

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Luke M. favorited Painting Charms 05 Oct 19:44
Ginger W. favorited Painting Charms 26 Sep 13:14
Charyawn221 favorited Painting Charms 28 Feb 23:26

Step 1
Clean your metal
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Often stamped charms and filigree will have a very thin layer of machine oil on it that you can't see. Remove this oil to make sure your paint sticks. A clean paper towel and alcohol will quickly clean the metal, or you can use dish soap and warm water to remove the oils. Make sure that all metal pieces have dried thoroughly before painting.
Step 2
Choose paints carefully
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To create an enamelled look that was almost like cloisonne use spray-on oil-based enamel paints. Brands like Krylon or Rustoleum are available at your local hardware or paint store in a range of colors. Avoid 'decorator' paints that are not oil-based as they won't give you a smooth, shiny finish.
Step 3
Paint your metal
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Place your cleaned metal pieces in a single layer on a sheet of paper or cardboard. Using quick, short strokes apply the paint in a thin layer. Do not overcoat or the paint will run off the metal. Because of the viscosity of the paint, raised areas in filigree or charms may show through the paint as you see in this heart above. To achieve a solid, all-over color apply a second coat after 30 minutes. Allow metal to dry for at least an hour before you touch or move them. If you wish to paint the backs allow all metal pieces to dry for 24 hours before turning them over and painting.
Step 4
Seal your metal
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If you want to create a very smooth and shiny surface you can add a layer of Diamond Glaze or other liquid resin to the surface of some charms. This resin will dome up and enhance the painted finish.