Working on a new piece that I cannot wait to share with you ladies. I’m using my favorite paint, Annie Sloan Chalkpaint, and my favorite technique. I am applying two coats of paint (by choice) because I like to have a contrast of color with my pieces. I tend to use Old White as my first coat with most colors. My favorite lately is Old White and then a coat of Paris Grey.
- I apply my first coat, not very thick, do not worry about complete coverage, particularly if the wood is dark. The second coat I apply heavier and give complete coverage.
- Allow paint to dry, which is very quick, then apply a coat of clear wax (remember, less is more). Be sure to remove the excess wax, allow to dry, and buff lightly.
- Take a sanding block (approximately 100/200 grit) and begin sanding areas that would be worn. I usually sand legs, sides, and around groves. This is the time to sand other areas lightly to bring some of the background color through.
- Now you are ready for my favorite part. Instead of using dark wax straight on to give the piece an aged appearance I like to make a glaze. A glaze is so easy to work with and I just love the control. To make your glaze simply grab an old container, preferably with a lid. ( I love to purchase the metal, one quart, empty paint cans at Lowes for $2.99) Add some low odor mineral spirits and Annie Sloan dark wax. Close the container and shake vigorously. Open the container and now you have a terrific glaze to apply. I like to take a brush and apply the glaze to a large area, working sections of the piece. I allow the glaze to sit until it begins to dry (do not allow to dry). Take an old cloth (I love using my boys old white cotton t-shirts that they’ve grown out of) and begin to remove the glaze, leave some of the glaze in the groves and crevices which will give the piece a bit of the aged appearance. Once you have applied the glaze to the entire piece wait until it dries completely and buff. The next day give it a final buff and you’ve created your own French piece.
- Painting with our paint should always be a pleasure. If it’s feeling like hard work then maybe the paint is too thick, add some water to make the paint flow easily.
- Are you working with a small brush? Switch to a bigger one to get the job done quickly.
- If it is hard work rubbing back with the sandpaper then use a coarser sand paper but next time paint a thinner top coat.
Until next time, Hugs & Brushes
Hadn’t thought of using the dark wax as a glaze! I haven’t tried the dark wax yet but maybe in that format I will! I’m a newbie and having fun trying out different methods. You can check out some of my ASCP pieces (sans dark wax)at my blog I started the end of last year. 🙂 http://www.dearemmeline.blogspot.com
I haven’t tried dark wax but maybe I will as a glaze!
http://www.dearemmeline.blogspot.com
Great tips! Thanks–love my ASCP..will try your technique and be sure to link back to your blog…..
chris
Hey, Just jumping over from Miss Mustard Seed. I have found another fun, imformitive blog to follow. Yay!
CAn’t wait to see the new piece done with Paris Gray over Old White from ASCP.
I just picked up a piece that NEEDS Paris Gray. Now I need to get me some:)
Where do I leave a comment to be entered for Miss Mustard Seeds Annie Sloan’s paint and workshop ticket giveaway? I would love to go and learn from the “master”.. I would pick the colors provence and graphite if I was the lucky winner.
I’ll be in attendance at the AS workshop this weekend in Leesburg! I cannot wait -super excited to learn, as I am a complete newbie. I look forward to meeting you there too!
-Traci