sculpture repair and aging

Our recent project of repairing this sculpture and aging it, was an example of an ODD JOB.  The finished look is very raw and unfinished.  The fragile plaster head was shattered in a recent move.

Our job was to put humpty dumpty back together again.  This was the photo we had to go by:

I put the big pieces back together using a well-bond glue.
We supported the mask by using masking tape to keep it together.  I didn’t worry too much about the little pieces as I was planning on using a filler.

First, we needed to work on the back to strengthen the piece.  We mixed a small batch of plaster of paris.

I used my palette knife to shove as much mixture in the cracks as possible.

Then we added fiberglass  mesh squares added and mixture smeared to cover the back very well.

On the front of the bust, we filled the big cracks with 2 types of plaster putty (casting and molding refined putty)
Because of the different products I used, it was important that the bust had a consistent substrate in preparation for the aging.  Using a rondin brush, I painted on a very chalky latex paint, thoroughly.

In preparation for the aging, I needed to seal the sculpture.  I used Gum Arabic as a binder.  Another great binder is milk.  I mixed it with Raw Umber gouache, to give an aging tonality.

Using a size 4 domed glazing brush, I generously applied the mixture.

Using the same brush, I continued to work the mixture into all areas while removing some of the mixture.

The large codtail is a fantastic stippler on small pieces.  It pushes glaze into the correct crevices.  I repeated this process a second time — being sure to concentrate on the more sunken in areas that need aging.  For that, I used the rondin brush again.

I used Rotten Earth powdered pigment (rotten earth is the color name) for the final aging step.

I used a dry domed glazing brush to apply the powder.

I wiped off excess with a cotton rag.  Then I repeated the process on the back.

The piece was back to the original state and probably a lot more structurally sound.
I’ve always said that it’s the decorative painter who can do it all — that is the most successful.  This is a good example of providing a complete service.  Don’t be afraid of any project — show confidence and learn as you go!!