I had to make repairs to this item (left hand most head and shoulders) that I hope to use for planting succulents. Now that the repairs are done I need to clean it up and paint it. The original finish was done sorry of faux gold leaf approximation. I have yet to see a product that might come close but I don't want to paint it any crappy gold in a single color. Is there such a product that might get closer to the original finish?

I actually like how it looks now, with the darker markings here and there, gives it that antiqued look.

If you have any ceramic crafting shops near you, I would think they'd have good suggestions. Once painted the original color, then use the darker stains in the crevices would give it that old look.

Or just buy gold leaf sheets, apply several good coats of a clear finish once that's done to preserve the bright color.

Hang on!
You want to lose the patina that adds value to anything that's even just a bit old?

What Nancy said, in more detail: If you have acrylic craft paint, put down a dark gold base, let it dry, then overpaint with black or dark brown. Then wipe that mostly off before it dries completely until you've achieved the original effect.

I did this lamp so many years ago I can't remember how it looked originally, but that's the technique I used.

Thank you, Zoë, you explained perfectly what I was aiming at! It's been years since I've done any of that (more like decades). I do remember with ceramics there are specific stains for achieving that look, not just another shade of paint. It's probably different depending on the material you're painting.

Looking at the original better, it looks like a chip at the upper left side. If it were me, that would be the only part I'd touch up to match the rest. I really do like the look of it as is with the old patina to it.

Agree. That upper left area is where Urban repaired. That's the only area I'd repaint, too. It's been a long time since I've done major projects, but I keep the paints on hand for repairs and touch ups like that pictured.

I agree with Zoe and Murky and Riley. it's a great piece! Love it. Just do what you repaired. I'd go to a decent craft shop or Home Depot. You might be able to get the color and paint that you need for allot less if you get the "sample" size. If all else fails get a can of Rust-o-leum in a color as close to what you need. Spray a piece of lintless cloth with the paint and dab it on the area. That should fix the problem and give you some rust protection. Go over the pronounced areas with something darker to keep the details as close as possible. All you spent was money for a can of metalic finish paint.

Brenda you're more ambitious than I am. This is what I had in mind.

Thanks all. BTW, I should further clarify. The item is not very old. It's just painted to look that way. No actual metal. It's all some sort of resin. I drilled two holes through the bottom in order to provide drainage.

The item will be out in the weather through all but winter. It will need to survive rains and hot sun.

@NMoasis

Is that sort of paint also for exterior use?

When you've touched up the chipped part, put several good coats of polyurethane on it to protect it. We were talking about how well it holds up outdoors in another thread in Ask A Question, the dirty bird bath thread.

UrbanWild said: @NMoasis
Is that sort of paint also for exterior use?

Just getting back here and Nancy answered. I've painted flower pots and other things with craft acrylic paint and it holds up surprisingly well. Coated with marine varnish or polyurethane it should be extra tough. I usually expect and welcome some weathering over time.