Step by step a pewter look

The coatings with real metals from the Austrian paint and lacquer manufacturer ADLER give surfaces a unique, authentic metallic look. Think, for example, of a copper, bronze or brass look. How processors can provide wooden surfaces with a pewter look, Leon Cremers, director of ADLER Benelux in Heeze, explains step by step below.

The silvery-white luster of pewter has fascinated people since time immemorial. Even in and around the home, metal surfaces have an almost magical appeal. With the help of ADLER's coatings with real metals, it is a breeze to give a wooden surface a pewter look - as it can be done simply with a paint sprayer. Leon Cremers shows how it's done.

"For a tin surface, you need a number of products from ADLER," Cremers begins. "Bluefin Pure-Metal and the hardener Aqua Hardener 8450 form the basis. For the pewter look, Aquafix Zinn, which is added in powder form, is provided. For the substrate, PUR-Ecofill Weißde best choice. Spezial-Verdünner 8502 is also useful. The look is complete by varnishing with Tiropur NG G70. If the processor chooses to apply an additional patina effect using Aquafix Blue-Patina, it should be finished with PUR-Antiscratch HQ G10."

Step 1: The preparation                                 

A good start is half the battle - and that also applies here. "Using PUR-Ecofill Weiß, the wooden surface or MDF board should be primed. The insulation filler is applied with a top cup gun," says Cremers.

Step 2: Sanding                             

After priming, it is then important to let the surface dry and then sand with 240-grit paper.

Step 3: Mixing                                                     

Then a number of products must be mixed together. "First, 5 percent Aqua-Hardener 8450 must be added to 400 g of Bluefin Pure-Metal. Then 1,000 g of Aquafix Zinn is added to that," says Cremers. Here it is important that the metal powder is mixed with the other products without lumps. "It is best to do this mechanically with a mixing rod."

Step 4: The coating                                                  

Now the lacquer can be applied. Cremers: "The best result is achieved with a pressure cup gun. After that, the surface must dry for at least five hours."

Step 5: Sanding, sanding and more sanding   

Every painter knows it all too well: a lot of sanding is required for the best results. "The best thing to do here is to start with grit 180 and finish with grit 3000 via grit 240, 360, 600, 1000 and 1500," Cremers explains. "That takes some time, but it produces the most beautiful metallic effect."

Step 6: Varnishing                                              

Before the final step, applying the transparent topcoat, it is important that the surface is dust-free. "Spezial-Verdünner can be used for this," Cremers tips. Then, Tiropur NG in gloss grade G70 can be painted. A good alternative for this is Pigmotop G70. "The result is a surface with a beautiful pewter appearance," says Cremers.

Step 6a: For a vintage look                        

Does the object lend itself to a slightly less sleek look? Then it is also possible to artificially age the surface, discoloring it to create a beautiful vintage look. "To do this, apply Aquafix Blue-Patina to the dry, sanded surface before you paint it," Cremers explains. "Whether you do this lightly misted or with thick drops, evenly or only in certain areas: here you have all the freedom. After drying overnight, the oxide solution gives the surface a unique look."

Step 6b: Patina painting                              

Here, too, it is important to apply a protective transparent coating afterwards. "For this, PUR-Antiscratch HQ G10 is the most suitable, because it creates a surface that can take a beating," Cremers finally recommends.