How To: “Metallic O’verlays”- EASY

We are always being asked about painting techniques and ways to make O’verlays look unique, so we decided to start a new series featuring tons of different painting techniques.
  These will range in difficulty and finished from woodgraining to gilding, and we will be sure to rank them for you (easy, intermediate and advanced),
 but please don’t shy away from those labeled advanced.
We are going to make the instructions so that anyone can attempted them,
 and all you might need is a bit more patience.
Also, if there is a look you’d like to see be sure to comment and let us know.
To start, we decided to go the easy route for the first with basic metallic finishes.
Metallics are still huge, and gold and brass are hot right now.
IKEA Dresser with myoverlays.com Greek Key kit
Amanda Carol Interiors
Brass colored paint sings
via Design Manifest
We found so many great One-Step finishes available.
 The only skill you will need to know is how to spray paint!
To get started you will need:
-a drop cloth or large piece of cardboard
-well ventilated area (outdoors is best)
-choice of spray paint
A sampling of available metallic paints
Our product is made from a plastic derivative, so while many paints will adhere just fine, those paints that are made for use on plastic are even better. They actually bond to the O’verlay and are almost impossible to scratch off.  If you want best adhesion we recommend using on of those, or priming the surface first with a plastic primer.
Plastic paint primer will make finish coat stick better
PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAN FOR DRY TIMES AND TIMES BETWEEN COATS!
This is very important because every manufacturer has different times, and it can lead to crackling or irregularities in finishes if not followed. OK, now that we got that out of the way lets paint…
Nice even strokes to avoid puddling
To spray, hold can about 12″ from the surface and spray a light coat moving back and forth.
Turn the cardboard at 90 degree angles to be sure you get all sides too.
Once dried for the proper time you can apply the finish color.
Hold can at an angle to get all the edges
Apply the finish coat the same way, being sure to get all edges.
If you really want a tough finish that will hold up to excessive abuse  (i.e: if they are going on stair risers) we recommend a clear top coat of polyurethane.
A top coat of polyurethane will make it shine
This can be sprayed as well, and 2 coats is recommended.
There are so many great metallics,  we just had to test a bunch!
Here is a montage of some of our favorites:
First off, we LOVE Rustoleum’s Bright Gold!
myoverlays.com Xandra getting some gold
Covers great and is nice and warm.
ta da!
IKEA Malm and myovrelays.com Xandra kit
…and there are tons more colors…
 Silver
myoverlays.com Grace ready for some paint
Copper
Danika panel with some paint
Satin Nickel Finish
myoverlays.com Gigi panel and nickel paint
Above Close Up
Close up look of nickel paint
Hammered Silver
(we actually are really impressed by how easy this was to achieve a complex look)
myoverlays.com Greek Key Double with silver paint
 some close ups…
Close up look at the silver paint
myoverlays.com Xandra strip
Another Hammered Metal , but this was made for plastics, so no primer needed:
myoverlays.com Greek Key strip
Greek Key molding by myoverlays.com
 Champagne Mist
(when you want something in between gold and silver)
Xandra molding
So get spraying!
We would love to see your creations, so please email us at danika@myoverlays.com if you have something you’d like to share.
Join us next week for a “how to” on making your O’verlays look like wood.

Cheryle