Showing posts with label zinc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zinc. Show all posts

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





Friday, May 9, 2014

Before and After: Erin Hughes

We decided to have a Before and After Contest for our Retailers to submit pieces of furniture or projects that they had completed. We had so many awesome submissions and I am excited to share with you our first place winner today- Erin Hughes Designs.  Erin is a mother of three little girls, a photographer, and now "thanks to Amy Howard's wonderful line of products, I'm one that loves to rescue, restore and redecorate!!"


Before


After
The Buffet is One Step Credenza, Cracked Patina, Wax and Dust, and Zinc Top.



I asked Erin the following questions about her refinished buffet.
Amy: What made you decide on the color and techniques that you used? What were your thoughts when you deciding how to restore your piece?
Erin: My vision for this console was a potting shed style piece that felt clean but also showed age as if it had been used for that purpose for years.  I chose the One Step color Credenza because I thought that it would pair with the zinc top beautifully (I also just adore that color!).  I used the zinc finish to give a modern and clean work surface (the original top was just a plain brown painted top).  I then applied the cracked patina to add age to the piece.  Of course, I finished everything up with light wax, dark wax and dust of ages!

Amy: What do you like the most about your finished piece?
Erin: I love the color tone combination of the cool green/blue Credenza and the gray/green of the zinc top.  It feels calm and peaceful to me.

Amy: Did you sell your piece or keep it for yourself? ​
Erin: I actually just finished this piece on Sunday, right before the deadline!  So I have yet to bring it to the shop for sale, but that is my plan.

Amy: What is your favorite product to work with and why? 
Erin: Right now, I am really enjoying the Cracked Patina.  It's allows me to get in to the paint with my hands and add texture...it truly makes each piece unique and I love that you can use it to a small degree or really go for it to create a multi-layered product.




Erin Hughes Designs
inside Remnants Antiques
300 South Main Street
Anderson, SC 29624
(864) 226-1002
echughes@mac.com
Erin's Blog
Erin Hughes Designs' Facebook page




Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Zinc Table Tops

Zinc dates back to the ancient times where impure forms were used. Judean brass from the 14th century contains about 23% which is the first known finding of the element. It was not distinctly recognized until 1374. 

Major uses of zinc include galvanizing, alloys, brass and bronze, and other miscellaneous ways in the United States. The metal is most commonly used as an anti-corrosion agent. Galvanization is the most common form of using zinc in this way. 

It is often today found in more industrial and modern furniture. I especially love to mix it with the new and old.

Inspiration to make your own Zinc Table Top!
Fun use of color for the bottom of the table top
Or how about outside

Create a luxury life, the DIY way!
The Antiquing Zinc Supplies are all available here!