Oil Rubbed Bronze Finish

I have a piece of metal that looks like this: 

But I want it to look more like this:

Obviously one color of paint isn't going to do the trick. I found some DIY videos that gave some good suggestions.

This is the technique I am going to try first.



Stay tuned to see how it turns out.





Follow up:


September 1, 2015

Step 1.  I wanted to create some texture on the smooth surface, so I used very course sandpaper to scratch it up a bit. For deeper texture I used an angle grinder to scrape and gouge at it a bit. That was reasonably successful.

Step 2. Apply the ultra flat black paint. I was disappointed with the results of this. I found it impossible to get uniform coverage with the paint. Since this is a base coat and will probably not show through I think I can proceed with the next layers.

At least its not green anymore.

The copper paint specifically says not to apply in high humidity. Feeling an overwhelming need to make progress I did it anyway. The result was slightly textured but for this application I think I can work with that.

The next layer "oil rubbed bronze" paint didn't do well in high humidity. I will have to sand most of that off and give it another try.

After a little sanding and some cooperation from the weather, I'm back to a good layer of copper color.

The final version has just a touch of gold color to give it more of a brass look.

Estate Sale right time right place

Yesterday I enjoyed a trip to Portland, Indiana to see the Tri-State Gas engine and Tractor show.

tristate gas engine tractor.com

Too much to see in one day, but I did get to see the types of things the vendors were offering.  I thought there would be a chance of finding a deal on an old box hardware or maybe a flying ball governor. No cheap boxes to be found, but I did find this governor.

Since it was in pretty rough condition it was only $300. I didn't come home with any treasures.

Less than 24 hours later, I stop by an Estate Sale a couple blocks from home.

Melanie putting the story to song

There were five storage buildings full of junk and interesting things. I spent $35.00 and came home with lots of treasures

or junk depending on how you look at things. 

The picture doesn't show the detail but I now have a wide assortment of plumbing parts, engine parts, air horns and fly wheels. As a bonus, I came home with an air powered sander, several cans of spray paint, some sand paper disks, and lots of misc goodies.

It was a good day.

Fun little projects with USB drives

VIDEOS: 

USB Steampunk

This time with moving parts

Repurposed voltage tester

The search continues

The space in Irvington is no longer an option for me. The co-op board there did not like the idea that saws and the like would be in their building.

I will continue to look for options, and I will remember that the "first this then that" idea might fit for first basement then something better.

The search continues...

Awesome Building

I visited the Stutz building today. Their rental rates are quite reasonable. It is very tempting to try and make a go of it there. Financially it would be more challenging but still feasible. However, I came away with the sense that I would have to call myself an artist to fit in there. The thought of that seems overwhelming and intimidating.

The choice of either here or there felt like an insolvable puzzle. When I finally let go of the "either or" shape of the puzzle I could think of it as first there then later here. As of today, my thinking is that I should get a start elsewhere, be serious about my work, and build up to the point where I can comfortably revisit the options at Stutz.

Tools to dream about

Carving Machine

Looking for space

I was nearly resigned to setting up shop in my basement until I found out about a space in Irvington.

This building / house is available to rent at a very reasonable price.  It is a little smaller than what I thought I was looking for, but it is more space than I would have in my basement. I expected to wait a few more months before I started paying rent, but it is unlikely that this will stay on the market very long.

Since this opportunity has created a sense of urgency, I have hurried forward with searching for space that is on the market. Today I have an appointment to look at some garage / shop space for rent on South Harding street. Not an ideal location but based on the description, its something I should look at before making a decision. Tomorrow I have an appointment to look at some space in the Stutz building. I'm not sure that I would want to drive downtown every day, but the building has the right "vibe" for the kind of work I have in mind. A big advantage of the Stutz building is that being a tenant there qualifies me to participate in the Stutz Artists Association. The association could be a great benefit to marketing some of my work.

stutzartists.com

Follow up: The space on South Harding was a little bit interesting. Actually it was very close to the same size and price as the Irvington space but without interior walls in the way. First time I've heard of a place that included compressed air as one of the utilities.

On the down side it was close enough to other tenants that I would be hearing their radios and the owner was a guy who thought he could have a conversation and keep his eyes glued to a screen at the same time.

Not a Replica

Sold at auction for $3250

www.burchardgalleries.com

First Project

So, what should the first project be?

I am strongly tempted to do something fairly quick and easy so I can point and say, "See, this is the sort of thing I'm talking about." It would also be a confidence booster for me and create some momentum.

On the other hand..

I feel the need to create some identity that is separate from the average steampunk lamp. So, the idea that is at the forefront right now is a wall hanging of moving parts. This idea is supported by some of the parts I have already collected. It also has the potential of becoming the image I can use as a brand identifier. Once photographed and captured on video it might be used for business cards, the header for a web page and other marketing avenues.

I hope to get help from a skilled photographer for the "after" picture.  In the mean time, here are some of the parts that contribute to the "before" picture.

The Frame - about 2.5 inches thick. It will have to be a different color before it will be suitable.

A little brass bit that I find appealing.

I am giving strong consideration pulling parts from my dying bandsaw. 

Lots of interesting connecting rods in this old adding machine.

I'm excited about my idea that will activate the gauges without the need to design electronic circuitry. By turning the armature of a miniature electric motor, it acts as a generator sufficient to make the needles move. By offsetting a connecting rod I should be able to turn the motor at a variable speed thus putting the needles in continuous motion.

Put it in the blog so I won't lose it

From my daughter Gloria:

• Sometimes I play a game just for fun where I ask a question, open the Bible to Proverbs, and then without looking flip around and point to the page randomly. I asked something like “What should I say to Dad about his project?” and, totally random no joke, pointed to
  
  Proverbs 8:30 - “Then I was the craftsman at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence”.
  
  So I don't really know what it means, but I thought it was pretty amazing that my finger landed on the word 'craftsman' when I wasn't even looking at the page! So I think 'craftsman' is a good word to use somehow. (:
  
  
  
  

Inspirational Constructionists

This is Jerry Riekert

He gained some fame from his interactions with the band One Direction. He calls himself a simple lamp maker from New York. His lamps may be "simple" but the quality of his work shows through.

This past weekend I met Butch Honeck. 

Visit him here: http://www.honecksculptures.com

Bronze castings seem to be his primary product, but he has a real gift for building things. It was quite a pleasure to chat with him. He encouraged me toward building and shared his source for obtaining synchronous timing motors, a key ingredient to his kinetic art.