Décapage (~stripping/rubbing)

Description

The décapage - or finition décapée - (rubing down/pickling - or rubed down/pickled finish –) results in a weared aged texture.
It can be done on flat and uneven surfaces.
The décapage is done “dry” without running water.
It is carried out when the plaster has hardened considerably (past the point where it can be cut with the berthelet). The brush must stay clean and the removed chips fall down.
Brush forcefully with a metal brush (brass or iron brush) until the surface begin to become coarse and make appears the inclusions of the material.
An additional décapage can be done later. Note that the later the décapage the lighter the color.
If the décapage leaves distinct imprints of the bristles, stop and wait for further hardening before continuing or choose a more flexible brush (brass instead of iron for example)
Important : do not wet either the plaster, or the brush.