Tuesday, June 8, 2010

silver leaf candlesticks

I've been dying to try out doing some silver leafing ever since I saw these nightstands from Little Green Notebook. A couple weeks ago I found these Pfaltzgraff candlesticks at my local Goodwill stores for 97 cents each...


I picked them up not knowing exactly what to do with them but knew I would think of something! After they sat on my counter for a week or so I thought they would be perfect to test out silver leafing! I started out by cleaning them up a bit to get the old wax off and then spraying them with a quick coat of gray primer followed by some flat black spray paint.

They already look so much better!



All you need is some silver leaf, adhesive size and sealer. You start out by applying a thin coat of the size to the candlesticks and let it sit for about 30-60 minutes. When it's ready it will be slightly sticky. Then you just apply the silver leaf with a dry brush. When you're happy with the look just apply the sealer and let it dry overnight. So simple.





The total cost of the project was less than $10! I actually think it would be easier to do a nightstand than the candlesticks. It is so much easier to use the whole sheet of leaf than pieces to go into small spots. I let some of the black paint show through to give it a more vintage almost mercury glass look. I'll definitely be trying it on something bigger!

4 comments:

  1. very cute!! loving mercury glass rite now!! goodwill is the best!!

    but, i must admit i am loving silver leaf even more!!!
    i have a small chest of drawers with a TON of carved detail that I think will look AMAZING silver leafed. I even went out and bought all the supplies. Just need to get the guts to try it!! lol. of course i will let you know how it comes out once i actually do try it!

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  2. COOL! I have a cute old dresser with the original robins egg blue paint, but the top is laminate. I've always wanted to silver leaf the top and seeing your outcome makes me think I can do it! You are so inspiring - thank you!

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  3. Ahhhh...I'm lovin' this super PRETTY GW makeover! Hop over and show them off at my NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAYS PARTY on Monday night...hope to see you there:)

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  4. I think I like the silver leafing better than the gold, like your candlesticks. So pretty and stylish, and they DO look like mercury glass, which I love. Think how beautiful these will look with Christmas decor!

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