Michelangelo’s David Wine Stopper

On a recent trip to Italy, we saw Michelangelo's masterpiece, David. As a wine stopper collector, I just had to have a commemoration of this famous statue in a stopper!

1. For this instructable, you will need a miniature statue head. I purchased mine from a vendor's stand in the square near the museum for a few Euros. This one is about 1 ½" tall and cast from resin. There should be many variations available online.
2. In addition, you will require a wine stopper blank. There are dozens of companies selling them. The one I used has a 10x1.25 thread as shown in the photo. But here is a link to an eBay seller with 8x1.25 threads - https://www.ebay.com/itm/318286419466 - this size will work just as well.
3. For tools, you will need a drill and drill bits for the size thread you are using, as well as a tap and die set for threading the hole you will be making. Also, a small paintbrush for painting the bust. An Exacto knife may be useful.
4. For paint materials, I used a flat black acrylic, titanium white acrylic, and a gloss varnish acrylic. Some model putty can help hide any goofs.
5. For surface prep, you should have some fine grit sandpaper or solvent on hand.

I drew several lines across the bottom to find a good center location. Support the bust in some fashion, preferably with a clamp while drilling a small pilot hole. I held mine while wearing a glove on my drill press, which I do not recommend. Then, using a succession of larger and larger bits, drill until you get to your required size.

Next, use the appropriate size tap to cut threads into the hole. Alternatively, skip this step and use an adhesive of your choice to anchor the threaded insert.

I accidentally cut through the side of the bust, so I had to cover it up with model putty.

I used fine grit sandpaper (400 grit up to 2000 grit) to roughen up the existing pink paint on the bust. Steel wool works well also. Alternatively, use your favorite solvent to wipe it off.

Use your flat or satin black paint to completely cover the bust.

Now you should use a dry brush method to lightly cover the high relief portions of the bust with white. Google dry brush method if you are unfamiliar with the technique. Just don't load the brush with paint - you want the deeper relief to look like it is in shadow. This requires very little paint - hence the name, dry brush.

Cover the finished now dry white paint coat with varnish to help waterproof the bust.

My stopper blanks came with these nylon washers to fit between the bust and the chrome stopper. You may have to trim them to fit neatly around the stopper with your Exacto knife. This step is completely optional.

All done! Mine is currently on display in one of our racks. Reminds me of Italy whenever I see it.