The angels are adorable, and that pedestal is very nice!
Caution: Painters, crafters, potters and people who paint ceramics can ignore this post.....
or roll your eyes after reading it. No worries, I'm used to that anyway
Or, you are more than welcome to make suggestions!
So, in order to slow down the weathering of concrete statue pieces, spray them with a couple coats of a clear top coat. Any finish will do. I personally like to use gloss bc it gives the piece a perpetual "wet" look, which really brings out the features, like I did with this little statue.
This little statue is left outside year round bc I'm too lazy to bring it and other concrete pieces inside, even though they're on the smaller side.
Also, if I remember right, you were planning to paint something to bring out the features? An excellent way to do that is by 'antiquing' the piece with paint.
Firstly, lightly sand areas where there might be seams left over from two-piece molds, and then clean all the dust off. (TIP: A good way to clean the dust off is with the air spray (can) used to clean computer keyboards.) Anyway, if you don't sand the piece, this painting technique will bring out those areas. Definitely prime concrete and clay, bc it will soak up any color you paint on it. Use a white or a cream color for the final effect. When the primer is completely dry, paint the entire piece with one coat of dark umber brown enamel paint (enamel dries slower than acrylic), making sure there's paint in every nook and cranny, without glopping with a brush, or over spraying with spray paint, to the point of running paint, then, using a soft cloth (like a cloth diaper.....
preferably a clean one
) lightly wipe the raised areas of the piece to remove paint. It doesn't have to be completely removed. Start with very gentle pressure and increase the pressure if you want more removed. Be sure and leave the paint in the nooks and crannies for a shadowing effect. Let it dry and enjoy! It works like a charm, if you have the patience.
Them give them a clear top coat or two.
I antiqued these resin plaques, that were stark white when I bought them, to give them 'old world' charm.
For some reason, one has more of a yellowish tint, but I used the same paint. 🤷🤷
I'm really enjoying everybody sharing their beautiful pieces! Keep 'em coming!!
