Painting With Gilders Paste

There is another way to apply Gilders Paste that will make working with tiny beads really simple.

I have a few samples to demonstrate with.  The first was an old chain that I had in my junk drawer.  The second sample is a strand of tiny wooden beads.  The third sample is also a strand of wooden beads.

For the painting technique you need a little paint thinner and a small mixing cup.

I am using German Silver Gilders Paste for these samples.

I used a small wooden stick to shave some Gilder Paste out of the tin and into my plastic cup.  Then I added a tiny capful of paint thinner.  I mixed until I had this beautiful metallic “paint.”

I brushed the Gilders Paste on to the strands with my paint brush until everything had been covered.  Working on an old t-shirt was really helpful.  My samples are completely revitalized.

I think you can imagine my excitement.  Turning inexpensive wooden beads into metallic ones is a great technique.  Plus, I am thinking of other surfaces I could work on with my paint brush for mixed media projects.

Even my old chain looks new.  The left is the new fresh colour.  It covered the discolored and aged areas beautifully.  All I have to do now is protect the coating with an application of a sealer (clear lacquer or varnish).