Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color

Thank you Monica for this great easy to do DIY idea, in her words here is how Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color in a DIY knock off inspired look.

I love wandering in Restoration Hardware oohing and awwing over all the gorgeous pieces of furniture and home decor.  The only problem is the PRICE!!!  I would feel guilty spending $145 on a vase when the same effect could be quickly created with a little creativity.  With American Paint Company’s Mica Powder I knew this look could be created really easily.

Using Mica Powder to Enhance the Beautiful Color

I found a vase from a flower arrangement from long ago (hint…honey it is time to send flowers!)

–Smoke Signal

-fine bristled paint brush

-Vinegar

-Paper towels

-American Paint Company Top Coat

–Mica Powder

First I prepped my piece by wiping it down with plain white vinegar.  Normally I would use APC surface cleaner, but on glass or metal, vinegar etches the surface.  This allows the paint to adhere to the surface easily.

Then paint your first layer of paint. 

To make sure that no place is left unpainted, the vase is flipped upside down.   Once this has completely dried another layer of paint is applied.  The second layer of paint is watered down about 50% to allow for a smooth even finish.

 Tip–*This trick works really well when painting chairs or small tables.

While waiting for the paint to dry, prepare the Mica powder.  Mica is pretty amazing stuff!  You can add this to any of the APC products to enhance the already beautiful colors.  I decided to go with the Pewter Mica to replicate the inspiration piece from Restoration Hardware.

I poured a small amount of Top Coat into a cup and added about a ¼ tsp of Mica to the mixture.  Stir it up!  A little Mica goes a long way.

This finish is so easy to use!  Use the same type of brush that was used for painting and evenly apply the Top Coat/ Mica mixture to the entire piece.

Allow to dry for a few hours and you have a sweet knock off version of Restoration Hardware goodness!

I can’t decide how to use this vase now….

Flowers or for my extensive marker collection?

What do you think? After I finished the vase I had some of the Mica mixture left over.  Never being one to waste anything, I had to find something else to embellish. I painted these candlesticks with Wild Horses and thought that they could use a little bling as well.

It took me about 30 seconds to embellish these and I love the effect!

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