Pearlized Vessels
“Pearlizing” is the name I have given to the finishing process that I use to give a vessel an almost liquid appearance that has depth and transparent color, while still allowing the natural grain of the wood to show through. For over 40 years I have been Pearlizing various objects of Art. In 1970, I started airbrushing iridescent pearl bases and transparent candy-colors on custom motorcycles and antique show cars. Today I utilize those same techniques on wood.
Pearlizing entails airbrushing the piece with multiple layers of clear, pearl, and transparent colors. I often incorporate gold leaf patterns which are embedded between more layers of clear urethane and outlined with fine-line pinstriping. Endless hours of sanding and buffing between layers provide the vessel with depth and a liquid glass illusion.
