BASICS OF COLORIZING

If you wish to add true color and depth to your concrete products try these simple methods. Usable on both statuary and artistically created stepping stones or garden accent stones, this is just another profit builder. Many items will double or triple in value when painted.

There are several ways to colorize your products, here are a few.

METHOD 1. Apply a base coat following Step 2 under antiquing. Once dry apply colored latex stain by rubbing color from a rag dipped in the stain into different areas on the item. For example: On our #3183 Old Mill accent stone rub green in for the trees and grass, brown for the mill, blue for the water and sky. It is simple but can be beautiful. After 24 hours seal if necessary.

METHOD 2. Using an air brush paint the item with a variety of different colors to create the detail desired with a kind of mystical appearance. Seal as needed.

METHOD 3. Starting with an item which has been antiqued but not sealed, rub in or air brush in accent color or colors. Seal as needed.

METHOD 4. Using tube acrylic artist paints, in a variety of colors, paint the concrete pieces. These paints may be purchased at most art or craft stores, also at Wal-Mart or K-Mart stores. Keep in mind these are powerful paints and will go a long way. Also remember you can mix these paints on your pallet for infinite color varieties. You will also need an assortment of three to five artist brushes for large areas, down to intricate detail. Remember the picture is already there, you just add the color. You do not need to be an artist to create beautiful pieces of art. Having the art work already done you simply colorize. Seal as needed.

METHOD 5. Antique your item per the antiquing instructions but do not seal. Colorize as instructed in method 4. Seal as needed.