The Fan's Faux Bronze ---->

[LOTRFan]

Most of you have probably seen the pictures of the SSW plaques as they were originally designed ---- IN FAUX BRONZE. I thought I would try my hand at restoring them to their intended glory, and honestly it wasn't a hard decision for the ones that came painted in color -- they were never done that well.

You Shall Not Pass:

The "shine" factor is kinda high here, I had to use a flash - it isn't nearly as bright under normal lighting.

 

[LOTRFan]

Meeting of Old Friends:

 

[LOTRFan]

A Gandalf statue I did awhile back:

All are edition sizes of 1.

 

[Mesa]

I really like the two plaques. I have both of those, sitting in a box.

Can you give a quick summary of how you accomplished this effect?

 

[Mesa]

Your faux bronze application is better than the ones we've been given from Sideshow. Yours has contrast where sideshow just looks like gold spray paint with a crappy black wash applied. At least the ones I've owned, that was my personal opinion.

 

[LOTRFan]

I really like the two plaques. I have both of those, sitting in a box.

Can you give a quick summary of how you accomplished this effect?

... and give up my trade secrets!?!













Sure -

1) Spray paint the entire piece with a flat black paint

2) Drybrush the following:

a) A burnt umber
b) Metallic pewter
c) Metallic bronze

Drybrush === removing almost ALL paint from your brush, by wiping it onto a papertowel (etc), which will destroy your brush; and then lightly applying to the piece


Rinse and repeat.

 

[Agent0028]

Wow, those look good. I remember seeing your Gandalf before and I intend to do the same to mine. However I am too lazy to do the awesome job you did. I bought a bottle of faux bronze paint at a craft store. But before I take the chance of ruining my Gandalf I am going to try it on my Gentle Giant Obi-Wan (AKA Ugly-Wan) in clone armor first. If it doesn't look good enough I'll leave Gandalf the way he is. Although if I do ruin him it would give me an excuse to get the 12" figure...

 

[LOTRFan]

Wow, those look good. I remember seeing your Gandalf before and I intend to do the same to mine. However I am too lazy to do the awesome job you did. I bought a bottle of faux bronze paint at a craft store. But before I take the chance of ruining my Gandalf I am going to try it on my Gentle Giant Obi-Wan (AKA Ugly-Wan) in clone armor first. If it doesn't look good enough I'll leave Gandalf the way he is. Although if I do ruin him it would give me an excuse to get the 12" figure...

I haven't tried the faux bronze paint, but RickDTM suggested the method I used; it gives a real nice depth and layered look.

 

[Mesa]

Do you apply some sort of sealer/lacquer afterwards to prevent drybrushed paint from coming off?


I can't get over how much better the "meeting of old friends" plaque looks.

 

[LOTRFan]

Do you apply some sort of sealer/lacquer afterwards to prevent drybrushed paint from coming off?


I can't get over how much better the "meeting of old friends" plaque looks.

Nope, just let the paint dry - same as Sideshow (use acrylics).

Thanks for the kind words Mesa, I am happy with them too. For anyone wanting this done on something they own, I would be happy to paint them up for you.

 

[DarkArtist81]

Damn man! You got the effect perfect, really nailed it. It really looks great on those plaques, really shows the strength of the sculpt. Definitely better than the paint did.

 

[pixletwin]

Really love the Balrog and the Bag End pieces. How cool?

 

[LOTRFan]

Damn man! You got the effect perfect, really nailed it. It really looks great on those plaques, really shows the strength of the sculpt. Definitely better than the paint did.

Thanks Josh!

The sculpts really do shine through with this technique -- Virginia Lee (Alan Lee's daughter, who did the "Meeting" plaque) is a genius!

 

[Batty]

Great job! Now that's how faux bronze should look.

 

[El Roranous]

Seriously good work

 

[galactiboy]

Those really look great! Excellent work, and very courageous of you

 

[hemble]

Damn sensational work you've really captured the detail perfectly.

Ron

 

[fool_of_a_took!]

Wow!

Thats great work LotrFan!! Thanks for the pics and instructions.

Took might have to give that a try!

Had absolutley zero interest in both, but might have to pick up a Meeting and give it a shot!

Thanks again!