Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Brassing up the old dishwasher

Lee sent me a link to these instructions on how to make old appliances look "new." The new they are referring to here is faux stainless steel, but the same type of contact paper is also available in brass....



In fact, I think brass contact paper could have a multitude of uses in a steampunk home. (Or copper, if you prefer.) Covering a boring side table? Papering a wall in a bathroom? Adding interest to the interior of a bookshelf? Any other ideas?


Now, if only someone can come up with a way to antique it.
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11 comments:

  1. DB LampmanAugust 6, 2008 at 5:58 PM

    If it is really metal it can be antiqued through a chemical process, do a search for brass patina. Be careful the chemicals are caustic. Best -Dawelda

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  2. HevArtScenicAugust 7, 2008 at 7:08 AM

    I'm unsure of how thick the brass contact paper is, but I suspect it would be possible to buy some embossing tools and press ornate patterns into it, like so.

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  3. reverend dickAugust 7, 2008 at 11:08 AM

    Thanks! That's a great idea, and I never would have condiered it (or imagined a product like that existed).

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  4. EileenAugust 10, 2008 at 12:58 PM

    I've seen a product at my local art store that says that it can give brass or copper painted wood, plastic, etc a patina-ed color--so I would assume that it doesn't need actual brass to work. But the flip side of that would be that it might be hard to get a natural-looking patina since you're essentially painting it on. The name of the product escapes me at the moment, however.

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  5. Athena GreleAugust 11, 2008 at 5:50 PM

    It could also be used to spice up a boring table and/or chairs; as the backsplash over a kitchen counter; as a metal inlay in the doors of wood cabinets, and any number of other places.
    I expect to be using quite a lot of it when I get my first place. Thanks for pointing it out.

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  6. Mr. NaturalAugust 23, 2008 at 3:50 PM

    How about brass or copper leaf (similar to gold leaf) on wainscot? WOW! Maybe do the upright bits in copper with the chair rail in brass or gold? The packet I have here is of 25 pieces of 5 1/2 inch square pieces. Hmmmm...

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  7. ieatyourbabiezSeptember 8, 2008 at 3:05 PM

    An easy way to antique a metallic surface is using a dry brush and just a little black house-paint. You lightly dab it onto the corners, let it sit for a few seconds, then rub it with a dry cloth. This gives it that nice tarnished look. ^-^

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  8. shadowfootSeptember 26, 2008 at 8:11 AM

    Excellent post! Actually I like most of your posts -- so glad someone posted about it today on Steamfashion.

    On the antiqueing, if you decide to try it, try using a piece of sheep fleece, or a sponge. Finer, more even application than a brush, used often when staining/dying leather surfaces. Also used in some painterly techniques when doing faux finishes on walls.

    - Helwen
    http://helwen.livejournal.com

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  9. UnknownSeptember 27, 2008 at 6:14 PM

    Sara you can antique it...A faux verdigis finish can be made with alcohol copper sulfate (from a ceramics supplier) and lacquer. mix spray and you have instant verdigris...added to a bit of brown shoe polish in the corners to darken it and make it look aged and "Bobs yer Uncle" there you are.

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  10. BobbyOctober 27, 2008 at 12:10 PM

    I didn't know there was such techniques to "brighten up" old appliances and make them look new..I had a few questions about this post and didn't find any contact information on your blog, what's the best way to get in contact with you Sara?

    Best,
    Bobby

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  11. RJOctober 28, 2008 at 8:27 AM

    A really neat dishwasher redo...
    check it out
    http://restyledhome.blogspot.com/2008/08/face-lifts-are-good.html

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