The Art of Weathering

History

• Weathering techniques share a close history with decorative painting. It is difficult to pinpoint the moment that the idea of weathering came into play. The reproduction of metal patinas (weathered metals) and the distressing of woods to make them appear older are certainly tools in the decorative painting toolbox of any craftsperson and can be seen clearly in the 17th and 18th century faux painting style of the French and Italians. The increased demand for certain types of finishes during this time period led to trade schools, apprenticeships and the creation of decorative finish standards.

Techniques

• Weathering techniques can be approached by creating a positive process (adding something) or a negative process (the taking away or removal of something). Using chains and hammers to scratch, dent and damage a piece of furniture is a negative weathering technique. The adding of a dark glaze to make a color appear older and aged is a positive process. Sometimes there is a combination of the two methods being used. For example, a scratch and dent technique that then has a glaze added to darken the scratches and dents makes them appear to have been there a very long time.

Types

• Weathering happens by distressing, creating a patina using chemicals, by sanding and by skilled layering of techniques. Boiserie is a type of French weathering process that mimics the wood paneling of 17th and 18th century Europe. "The Art of Faux" by Pierre Finkelstein reveals an 11-step process to reproduce the weathered look that the paneling took on over time. Crackle effects make it appear that the surface has been subject to water and heat that has separated and subsequently cracked the surface paint. This technique can now be achieved by the use of a product created specifically to crackle painted surfaces. An easy and quick type of weathering process is the sanding of edges, corners and areas of furniture that typically receive a lot of use.

Uses

• The art of weathering can be used openly (with the knowledge and request of its use) or to deceive its audience. A piece of furniture can be built and then weathered to appear as if it were an antique. Knowing how furniture was made during the time period stated on the price tag can reveal deceptive practices of weathering. Books such as "A Field Guide To American Antique Furniture" by Joseph T. Butler, Kathleen Eagen Johnson and Ray Skibinksi can provide information on real construction techniques used in making antique furniture. Armed with this knowledge, a buyer is more apt to recognize deceptive weathering. Further understanding of appropriate colors and available materials of favorite time periods can be found in "The Art of Faux."

Tools

• Along with a variety of brushes, rags, sponges, rakes and hammers, the art of weathering depends on paint and chemicals. The characteristics of paint will impart a particular color or texture. For example, thinning water-based paint with a 50:50 mixture of paint and water creates a simple glaze that can impart the look of grime and dirt in the crevices of an object. Chemicals can be used on metal surfaces to make them appear much older than they actually are. When bronze is exposed to chlorides, it turns green but when exposed to sulfur produces a worn, brown color. The use of ammonium sulfide on bronze will create a blue-black that appears to be soot.