Archives: Anthro Hack Faux Zinc Letters

A blast from the past- one of my favorite hacks- it's an easy knock off anyone could do, with a quick impact. 

I scoured shelf after shelf in search the cardboard letters needed to make this DIY. Tragically, the letters for "Merry Christmas" had already been taken.
After countless minutes, an employee finally searched the store's back room for any additional letters, but alas, it was in vain. Black Friday had left hardly any remnants. Down, but not out, I did what any respectable DIY'er would do. I adapted and overcame. Of course the inspiration this "Noel" was Anthropologie's zinc letters.

If you're a long time follower, then you may recall the last time I used aluminum foil and Mod Podge to create a metallic shine. Next, I dry brushed black paint on top for definition and for imperfections.

 Check out this tute for all the tips to make yours work on the first try.

I used artists' grade, Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint in Silver and painted two light coats. You could  see cardboard through a little after the second coat. Where are the pics you may be asking? Well, I did this project in between visits with all the family that was in town. Perfect time to start a painting project, right?

After the silver paint was dry, I used Ralph Lauren Faux Paint Glaze, tinted black. You can wipe it on, then wipe it off with a slightly damp cloth. Try to apply your glaze in inconsistent, haphazard ways. You want them to each look a little different in the end. As my Professor used to say in Hawaii "They should be same same, but different."

A fun little update- I went ahead and added a "L" so that I can display my letters the rest of the year, too! You can check it out in my bedroom reveal! 

I like the end result of both techniques. But I like the aluminum foil faux zinc "B" I made just a little bit better. It's really hard to tell that it's foil and it looks legitimately metallic.  What about you guys?  Do you have a preference between the 2 styles?