The key to giving these medallions DEPTH IS to layer colors onto them working from a solid coat on the bottom, to light wispy highlights on the details.
First, paint the medallion with some primer to prep the surface and get it ready for paint.
Next, highlight large areas like this indentation with a lighter color, in this case I'm using a darker metallic to complement the fixture I'm planing to hang.
Get this color into recessed areas of the medallion to make those areas recede a little.
Next, use a lighter color to highligt details and raised edges and bring attention to those areas.
Finally, brush a poly coat over the entire piece to protect it and give it a little sheen.
That's all there is to it, a great custom ceiling medallion with some simple and inexpensive materials. I'm Mrs. Fixit and it's just that simple!
