On the 4th day of Kitschmas: a test of Modern Masters Metallic Paint. Yes, this was on my “get it done already” list too. At one point agonizing over the Mahalo Lounge‘s ceiling, I thought I might paint it with metallic paint and then start collaging all over it. I had remembered Modern Masters from my first-ever media program, with Rust-Oleum, which owns the company. So I reached out to their PR team and asked if they could send me complementary samples to test and feature here.
There are lots of colors to choose from in the Metallic Paint collection — but I knew I wanted to focus on gold. So in my request, I focused on narrowing down to the golshades, in satin, that might work. There were seven.
It took a while for the request to get approved, and by the time I received the samples, I’d already made other plans (which I then changed again) for the ceiling. So the paints have been sitting in my office ever since, staring at me pleadingly, like all the other undone tasks throughout the house.
But howdy hudee, I then got the idea to use the paints to renew the vintage frame I used to frame the vintage costume jewelry Christmas tree that I made a few weeks ago. The original vintage frame was nice — it was fine, for me — but this will be a gift to my daughter for Christmas, and my thinking was that she would like refreshed paint.
Note, she does not read my blog. So I am not blowing some surprise.
To get started, I made a sample board of all the paints. There’s quite a lot of variety in all the Modern Masters Metallic Paints! For the frame, I chose a base of Olympic Gold — which is the only opaque in the bunch. Then, wanting to create more dimension, I painted — almost dry-brushed — some Pale Gold over the Olympic Gold. Finally, I brushed some Rust-Oleum Java Glaze that I had on hand into the crevices, quickly wiping away the glaze from the top as required; the idea was to get the glaze to settle into the crevices to age the whole thing a bit.
Verdict: I like the Modern Masters Metallic Paint just fine. It’s water-based — way easier than working with oil-based. Seems pretty rich in solids — coverage was great. And it’s nice to have so many colors to choose from.
Moreover: While expensive — you can buy it BY THE GALLON*. Which is what I would have needed for ceilings. (*cha ching I earn a wee commission if you click the Amazon links and end up buying anything – part of how I keep this blog boat afloat)
Their website:
- Modern Masters Metallic Paint collection
- And note, you can get this paint on Amazon, too*
Oh, but I’m not done.
After I got the frame on the art, I finished up the framed art by gluing vintage wrapping paper to the back of it, and adding a hanger thingy. There’s a message from Mom (me) underneath. So’s when I’m long gone and some grandchild or great grandchild (one hopes!) accidentally rips it, there will be the little time capsule love note beneath.
I find vintage wrapping paper at estate sales, too.
And Marks Solingen Germany scissors. $5. These were a delight to work with! So heavy! So sharp! Yum!
I used the same paper to wrap the present.
I added a vintage ornament — just nabbed in a bundle at the Salvation Army last week — to the bow. And yes, the ribbons and tablecloth are vintage, and we even reuse bows!
I’ll tell you: My drive to get one nagging thing per day is really kinda working for me! It’s like I wake up every morning revving to cross one more thing off the list! I’m hoping to keep this habit going for … as long as it takes.
Rosemary says
I swear I have that Christmas tablecloth too!
Lynne says
Boy, it must be regional. I volunteer at a thrift store. My main “job” is in the Christmas store, which is open late October thru the first of January.
I have put out rolls and rolls of vintage ribbon, vintage wrapping paper, vintage gift tags-and they sit. Sasheen ribbon, that lacey Janel ribbon I think they call it, velveteen ribbon. Its just sitting there!
The box of Christmas corsages FINALLY sold. I have a big box of those GE flame looking Mazda light bulbs. I didn’t even bother to put them out this year. In Central Illinois, NO BODY is interested.
Ree says
Lynne, wish I lived closer. I never see that type of stuff in a thrift store here in Baton Rouge. Maybe at garage sales once in a while or an estate sale if you are lucky.
Ree says
I love everything about this project. I especially love the vintage wrapping paper and the note you tucked in behind it. When my mom passed away in 2010, I found rolls & rolls of wonderful wrapping paper and I am convinced some of it was from the 60’s & 70’s. I kept most of it and use it to wrap gifts. The best thing is when someone receives a gift wrapped in it and exclaims how pretty the paper is. Merry Christmas, Pam!
carolyn says
I think with the overwhelming amount of UFO’s we all have collecting dust, just mapping out a finite time frame and focusing only on a specific item per day, crosses off the list a lot faster. I’m pretty sure we’re supposed to get a project done while it’s still “hot”, otherwise wait for the fad to fade and get re-born.
My problem is that I have a lot of supplies but don’t remember what I needed them for! Have been keeping the idea source with the supplies, now I have to block out the time!
Wendellyn says
I had to chuckle to myself in regards to your Goodwill comment. In years past you could find gobs of Christmas stuff at the GW, but not anymore. Well, at least where I live. I was looking for some candle warmers and I was so disappointed. There was nothing, no ornaments, no tinsel, no odds and ends, nothing, not even a coffee cup! Evidently your blog has gained a great more followers than I had ever imagined!!
Pam Kueber says
I don’t see much anymore either. My “find” was kinda buried behind other stuff in an odd area…
BobinAlabama says
I’m about to embark on a grand experiment using another brand of metallic paint – Metallic Tones by PPG (sold through Home Depot). The project is the painting of a very dark brick, floor-to-ceiling fireplace. The ceiling is vaulted, and I wanted something that would be a “wow factor” in the room – something other than the usual latex interior paint or whitewashing. The walls are paneled in wood, and the room is rather dark. So, I’ve chosen “Iridescent Oyster” to bring together the mixed metals in the room and to give the brick the look of a ceramic glaze. Time will tell how successful this project will be in my mid century dream house, but I’m jumping in feet first!
Ann says
Thanks for this, I was just getting ready to purchase addl quantities of real and imitation gold leaf for our victorian, but after looking at the samples photos on their site, I think I might have to give some of this a try for less important areas on my projects. I have used other products in the past with limited successful results. Worth giving this a shot. My current needs include ceiling details, picture rails, pier mirror with table and window hoods that all have leaf remaining and need matches and touch up. Thanks for doing the legwork.
Pam Kueber says
I’ve done gold and copper leaf before too. I really liked it, but yes, spendy!
Janet in ME says
This is great to know. In all the moves we have made in the past few years, I have too many pictures and also a mirror with scraped gold frames. Your recommendation will push me to repair them. It also made me think I should paint the dark pine frames of otherwise beautiful pictures that I put away because the wood color didn’t work. Your Christmas tree collage makes a lovely gift!
Pam Kueber says
I actually like “scraped” — shabby chic patina! But like I said, I think my weebit will liked refreshed better. Hey, in a couple of decades it’ll be shabby chic again!
jeannebodine says
Beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration. I love the care you gave to the back of frame. I’m in renovation h*ll; added a bedroom and bathroom and family room to the first floor and they mock me with their emptiness. I keep reading your past blog post, though, so I’ll get there. Merry Christmas!
Kyllikki says
Lovely Jewelry Tree, ( I made one in 1968 at a friend’s house! Mine wasn’t so lovely…) It’s so sad your daughter doesn’t read your blog – especially since it is so cool (and you work so hard on it!). … But I know what daughters are like – since mine hasn’t come home for Christmas for 6 years… 🙁 – Sad, ruins my Christmas spirit…. (only child…)