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33.
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Now that everything is assembled, it's time to start aging the skull. This is a multi-step process and each step can be repeated as few or as many times as you'd like to get the effect you're after. There is no right or wrong way to do this.
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34.
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 First, we need to darken it up a bit. Put on a pair of latex gloves 'cause this is gonna get messy. Mix 1/2 black latex or acrylic paint with 1/2 water in a paper cup or spray bottle. Place the skull lamp onto a surface you won't worry about getting paint on. (I did it outside in the sun on an old patio table.) Apply the mixture with the spray bottle or with a foam brush or even just with your hands. Make sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies — especially the eye sockets, nasal cavity, and between the teeth. While still wet, take a damp rag or wad of paper towels and wipe off the excess. Wipe lightly because you don't want to pull the paint out of the nooks and crannies. You only want to wipe the surface. Give it about 15-20 minutes to dry and repeat the process. You can do this as many times as you'd like. And, don't be afraid to get it on the candle stick, as well.
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35.
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Once that is completely dry, it's time to start layering other colors. I chose a mossy green and mustard yellow along with black, but you can just as easily use orange, brown, grey, or white. I placed small amounts of each color into a small sand art bottles with equal portions of water. I got the sand art bottles at Michael's craft store. They were $3 for a pkg. of 3. (You can do this with paper cups and an eye dropper, as well.) Snip a small hole in the tip of each sand art bottle.
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36.
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Drizzle a small amount of each color on top of the skull. Let is create a small pool until gravity takes over and it runs down the side of the skull. Don't be afraid to let the colors mix. Like before, let this dry for 15-20 mins. then repeat.
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37.
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With a foam brush, apply a liberal coating of a Polyurethane/stain mix. I used Polyshades "Classic Oak" from Minwax. You can get it at any hardware or paint store and it comes in a variety of sizes. Make sure the entire surface is covered. Let is stand for about 30 mins. or until it's tacky to the touch.
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38.
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Dip the foam brush into the can and get a good amount soaked into it. Like the paints, drizzle the polyurethane mix onto the skull from the brush. Make sure to go all the way around. Let it make small pools until gravity takes over and it runs down the sides. Give it about 20 mins. to dry, then repeat.
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39.
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 You can repeat steps 34 and 38 as many times as you'd like to achieve the effect you're looking for.
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