Continuing work on the fireplace, I sprayed it with grey primer. I wanted a good and even base layer for the final finishing I have planned. The griffins look more natural now that the fireplace is all one color.
I lightly sanded the roughness after the primer coat had completely dried. I then used this array of paints to create the final coloration and finish. These are: Medium Grey, Tapioca and Italian Sage by Folk Art; Country Grey by Apple Barrel; Black by Craft Smart; and Slate Grey by Americana.
I dotted on the paint in layers, starting with one of the lighter greys followed by the Tapioca, also dotted on. Uh-oh…polka dotted fireplace.
And then black, stippled in the same manner. The griffins are disappearing. Yes, it looks worse before it gets better.
Lastly, the Italian Sage. Now it looks like camouflage! But, not to worry…
I then used heavily diluted paint washes with the paints left in the palette including the ones I had already used. I couldn’t really take photos since this part was messy. I would layer on the watery paint and then dab it off with a paper towel, so my hands got covered in paint. The last wash was Tapioca.
Yes, it is as scary as it looks. The wood swells and glue comes undone in places…nothing that can’t be fixed. It’s all part of the process. :]
I dabbed the last wash after letting it set a minute, and I was left with a fine white stone finish with a hint of sage green.
I really like the way it turned out.
The griffins also look more like carved parts of the fireplace instead of pieces stuck on top.
I added another white wash to the fireplace since the paint did end up duller and darker after it dried. This turned out so well, I set the finish with spray sealer.
I love the texture of it.
For details on the firebox, hearth and coals, see this post.
