Things You'll Need
Clear varnish
Latex satin paints
Paintbrushes
Sponges
Bowl or container
Glaze
Ancient Greek statues were typically made in marble, which is a durable material with an appealing appearance. However, the material is expensive, and a sculptor can only use the method of subtraction to make a statue. To cut down on costs and to be able to use uncomplicated procedures such as slip-casting, you may choose less expensive materials such as plaster, cement or concrete. Painting and finishing your statue allows you to give it the appearance of marble.
Step 1
Test if the statue is sealed by applying a few drops of water on its surface. If the drops are absorbed within up to three minutes, the statue is not sealed. Seal the statue with a layer of varnish, so that it won't absorb the paint. If the water drops remain on the surface of the statue for longer, you don't need to seal it.
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Step 2
Remove dust from your statue with a moist sponge. Allow to dry.
Step 3
Apply a base coat of latex satin paint. Typically, marble statues are white, but you can choose a different color as well.
Step 4
Allow to dry and apply a second coat.
Step 5
Select two colors for the finish. These colors should be from the same swatch as the base paint you used. For instance, if you selected pure white for the base, select a snow white, gray or cream for the finish. Mix the each of the two selected colors for the finish in a ceramic bowl or plastic container, using equal parts of glaze, paint and water.
Step 6
Cover a strip measuring 2 inches on your statue using the first finish color. Apply another strip with the second finish color next to the first strip. Cover your entire statue in 2-inches strips alternating the colors.
Step 7
Dip a sponge in water, squeeze it to remove the excess water, and perform circular moves on the surface of the statue to blend the two finish colors. You will erase any rough lines between the stripes of colors you applied, so the surface has the natural appearance of marble. Allow the surface to dry.
Step 8
Select a color for the veins in your marble. If using white, the veins may be black, gray or blue. Use a small paintbrush to add veins, which should be thin and random. Avoid following a pattern when painting the veins. Use a sample of marble or a picture as reference. To obtain a natural look for the veins, get a dry sponge and gently tap the veins, making the color blend with the ones underneath.
Step 9
Apply clear polyurethane varnish on your statue, which gives the glossy appearance of marble.
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