Friday, August 29, 2014

How To: Etch Zinc

Etched Zinc has such a beautiful finish and I am excited to share with you today how you can do it with using the Amy Howard At Home Zinc Solution®.

Etching is the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio in the metal (the original process—in modern manufacturing other chemicals may be used on other types of material).

Zinc is a piece of this metal used as an element in a voltaic cell.


Materials Needed:
Amy Howard At Home Zinc Solution®
Simple Green®
Paper Towels
Sheet of Galvanized Metal
T-shirt rags
Styrofoam bowls
Stencil
Amy Howard At Home Clear Wax®

How To Instructions:
Begin with your supplies.
Clean your metal well with Simple Green®.
Rinse surfactants off with water after degreasing.
Rinse well with water and wipe down until it is completely dry.
Pour your Zinc Solution® in a styrofoam bowl.
Make sure to wear gloves and have your t-shirt rag ready to use.
Blot on the Zinc Solution® over the entire piece in an organic composition. 
*Do not neglect the edges!
With your first application, the zinc will begin to separate.
Using the same rag, rub the Zinc Solution® in a circular motion to allow for the reaction to begin
Here you can see the separation of Zinc
As you continue to rub in the solution, the sheet metal will begin to change colors before your eyes
After circular motions, come back to an organic application.
 Add the zinc until your desired color is achieved.
Continue to apply until you start to get your desired look.
Come back with a dry rag and pat off any excess solution.
Pat off excess.
Let your piece dry down to a beautiful chalky finish.
Now it is time for your stencil!
Peel the blue backing from your stencil.
Apply the stencil to the piece of metal.
Use a putty knife to ensure adhesion.
Pull the backing from the stencil to expose the metal.
Your stencil is on!
Apply a second coat of the Zinc Solution® over your metal piece with the stencil.
The application is the same as the original zincing process (steps above).
Continue to apply until you have your desired color.
Pat off excess Zinc Solution®.
Now get your Amy Howard At Home Clear Wax® and a clean t-shirt rag.
To apply the AHAH Clear Wax®, use a cotton rag in a light circular motion.
After your AHAH Clear Wax® has dried, come back with a clean rag and buff.
Remove the stencil after buffing. 
Here we are slowly removing the stencil.

The final etched zinc piece!!
Such a Beautiful etched zinc finish.




Rescue, Restore, Redecorate™
www.AmyHowardAtHome.com





Thursday, August 28, 2014

Featured Retailer: Hill House Interiors

I am excited to share with you one of our retailers, Hill House Interiors, who I have previously featured however, Claire just recently set up at Scott's Market in Atlanta so I wanted to share a few of her new pieces as well as her recent workshop that she had at her other location at Westside Market.
Display set up at Scott's Market
Side Table
Before:
After:
This table was painted with the Selznick Gray One Step Paint®
Table
Before:
After:
This table was completed rescued, restored, and redecorated
It was painted with two One Step Paint® colors: Luxe Grey and Atelier followed by the 
Small Side Tables
Before:




After:
These little tables were sprayed with the Citron Lacquer®

Amy: What made you decide to start your own business? 
Claire: I began my own business when I realized and accepted I had been given a gift of creativity.  People were constantly asking me who my designer was and if I would help them in their homes.  My husband said, “you know you can get paid for that” and my business, Hill House Interiors, was born.  It gives me great pleasure to know that I am participating in something that will give someone great pleasure hopefully for many years to come.  The Amy Howard at Home line of products is another avenue of expressing my creativity and to help others be creative as well.  It really combines two of my greatest pleasures - helping others and creativity.  What a privilege. 

A: What do you love about having a store? 
C: My “store” is Scott’s Antique Market the second weekend of every month.  I truly enjoy people and therefore love the interaction.  Scott’s is filled with designers and DIYers.  It is fun to help the DIYers see the possibilities that are available within the Amy Howard at Home product line and of course the designers are aware of the quality of the Amy Howard name and are appreciative of the sophisticated finishes.  

A: What is your favorite AHAH product? color?
C: My favorite product is whichever one I am working with at the time. Toscana if my favorite finish because I love soft, mellow finishes which are a hallmark of my interiors.   I have to say when teaching workshops I love the gilding because of the absolute squeal that comes from the participants when they are sure they “can’t do that”.  Brushing away the gold after burnishing is like waving a magic wand.   

A: What sets you apart for other stores in your area? 
C: I believe that what sets me apart is my perspective and my “eye”.  From a business stand point, what sets me apart is how I handle problems.  A very wise person once told me that you can judge the most about a business by how they handle problems that arise.  Businesses treat everyone nicely when they are running the credit card and taking money, but what happens when there is a problem? Are they still friendly and happy to see the customer? Do they still feel valued and welcomed? People remember that for a long time. Sometimes you have to lose the battle to win the war.

A: I cant live without my...
C: I can’t live without my weekly podcasts.  They inspire me to be a better person. 

A: What is your favorite season?
C: My favorite season is Spring.  The reminder that something that looks dead can be brought back to life in all of its glory gives me hope. And, I love watching the colors, shapes and textures fill the canvas of the landscape. 

A: What is your aesthetic in 3 words?
C: Timeless, inspired, casual elegance. Ooops! that’s four. 

New Display at the Westside Market


One Step Paint workshop in progress
After the workshop, excited bunch sharing their samples!


Hill House Interiors
inside Westside Market
1530 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd.
Atlanta, GA 30318
(478) 941-3466
hillhouseint@gmail.com

Hill House Interiors 
inside Scotts Antique Market, South Building J-6
3650 Jonesboro Road SE
Atlanta, GA 30354
(478) 475-5612
hillhouseint@gmail.com

www.hillhousemacon.com