General Chat

I ordered some wooden curtain poles which turned out not to be the correct shade to match the antique brass wall-lights.

The are cream background/brown. I wanted more cream/antique gold so i thought that I would add a bit of antique gold paint so they blend in better with the newly decorated room. We have cream walls.

I know that it is possible to apply pain with a sponge, indeed it does look as if the rings have been done this way. Does anybody have any experience in painting techniques, please. I'm not a fan of the sponging look. I was wondering about applying it with a dry brush to give just a hint of colour?

There are three poles :-(

I'm going to look at the Farrow and Ball paints and others, I need such a small pot.

I was wondering whether it will affect the smooth running of the curtain rings?

Any ideas gratefully received, thank you :-)

I would think you can brush on the colour you want, then wax over the whole pole to make the rings run well. When you see people upcycling on programmes like French Collection, Channel 4 at 4pm, they use different colour waxes over paint to seal the paint and give a nice finish. It would save your paintwork wearing off too

Good luck

Lizxx

I did wonder about that, Liz? I've never tried anything like this but need to do something!

I did choose the poles only having seen the finials, but got it wrong. The programme sounds interesting, too.

Many thanks for that tip :-D

Is it special wax?

I am not sure, lavender. Why not visit a d.i.y place, and explain what you need, they should be able to advise you.

Some used the other day looked very dark but rubbed over duck egg blue, looked great, just aged it a bit.

Lizx

we sprayed the ones in the bedroom
so they where an exact match

Thank you also, Joy :-)

I did wonder whether spraying might be an option if I try the dry brush technique and sponging the rings and I don't like the effect.

Not wanting to ruin what are beautiful poles, just not the right shade.

Liz and Joy, I thought you might like to know what I've been up to!

I visited a decorator's merchants and asked for advice about paint for my plan. He suggested Liberon Gilt Cream (I had seen an article using it on curtain poles, too).

There were two colours and I chose the one nearest to antique gold. I was glad I didn't go any brighter as it would have been too much.

It was just a case of using a bit of soft cloth, applying it and leaving for 24 hrs before buffing up. It was perfect for the job. You can leave areas with less on, building up as much or as little as you like. You can't really go wrong as it's easy to rub it off.

I'm not sure whether it should be sealed, I guess it will rub off over time but I'm leaving it at present since it wouldn't take more than 5 minutes to apply a bit more gilt cream along the pole when it wears. I think there was an article which spoke of sealing. I don't want to put the wax on this finish as I wouldn't be able to apply more when I need to.

It looks wonderful and the weeny pot was something over £8 (I've used about half).

I'd really recommend it to anybody for curtain poles, picture frames etc. Picture frames they said to use the side of a flat brush and build it up.

It's really brought the room to life.

Many thanks for your kind input :-D :-D

Well done I am glad your happy with it
and you can always touch it up if it does wear with time
or enjoy the distressed look

we don't draw the curtains so ours was ok :-D :-D

Great, Lavender, glad you got the right effect. Hope it lasts well

Lizxx

On reflection I'm thinking maybe I should be sealing them. Will read up a bit..



edit* I haven't been able to find out but I did find that I could even have bought the same product in the exact antique gold colour. It is very slightly bright but I was happy with it until I saw that!!

It is possible to mix the colours. Don't know whether I shall go to that trouble and expense. Will see what the family thinks.

I've just added enough of the gilt cream to give a distressed look, I might just leave it and see how it goes.

Annie Sloan paints are probably the best bet for your beeds.

No lengthy prep. Paint dries quickly.

Google and you will how good these products are.

I had acquired some metal candelabra chandeliers when we moved into the house, which were very nice apart from the colour. We didn't like the black curtain poles so we changed them for antique brass metal ones I looked everywhere for some new lights but couldn't find any I liked, so I bought some antique brass car paint in an aerosol and sprayed them.. It worked brilliantly and saved a fortune on buying new lights

Maybe you could spray your poles, the car paint should set hard so it doesn't rub off

Don't use wax on curtain poles or indeed any type of curtain rail. It works fine for a few days then attracts dust and jams up.

Instead use WD40 or similar product. Spay some onto a pad of kitchen paper and rub it along the rail or pole just leaving a fine film. It works a treat.....!

Thank you, Inspector Green Pen

It's a good idea but I'd be worried it would removed my gilt too :-)

Thank you, Inspector Green Pen

It's a good idea but I'd be worried it would removed my gilt too :-)

I’ve used Annie Sloan paint on my wooden curtain poles and rings . I love the look but the curtains are hard to close pole not smooth enough and paint is coming off the poles .
Any suggestions please

Hi Timothy

I am intrigued, how did you find this thread lol?

I am not sure how you solve your problem. It would seem that painted rings and pole may be catching together to inpede movement. Maybe putting satin varnish over the paint would help.

Lizx