DARK WAX TUTORIAL

 

 

 

 

The left side is unfinished chalk paint and the right side has been dark waxed.

This process can be scary but if you take the right steps its like magic.

Ive used Minwax natural (yellow bits) so you can see the wax better during the process.

 

When applying wax work in small areas.

Apply clear wax to your unfinished chalk paint.

I have used a large deck brush to push in and around the handle.

A brush works best with 3 dimensional details. You can use old paint brushes for this part.

 

Deck Brush found at Home Depot approx $10 good for large projects but does loose hairs often

This is the important step to understand ...

your clear wax is absorbing into your chalk paint preserving the color and protecting your paint.

It has created a base to which you can apply the dark wax and have it move around much easier.

 

 

Remove any excess clear wax and dont worry about buffing.

 

Wear a rubber glove when using dark wax

 

Now dig deep, count to 10, hyperventilate if you need to and slather on the dark wax.

 

 

Work the wax into the crevises and corners with your brush.

The dark wax is simulating dirt and wear accumulated over decades.

 

 

Here is the magic ...

 

Apply more clear wax and you will see the dark wax start to lift and move around.

Continue using your rag or towel to get the intensity you want.

The trick is the dark wax is sitting on top of the first layer of clear wax.

 

 

Use your brush again to smooth around details and start to buff.

 

 Check out what ended up happening to this cabinet here:

http://blogspot.ca/2013/01/royal-crest-cabinet.html

 

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Stop in to see whats new in shabby chic white hardware available at firstfinds.

 

There are over 1000 pieces of used hardware to choose from

Etsy Shop.

 

 

Read More..

 

 

One of the main ingredients of the finish on this server is Annie Sloans Dark Wax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My goal is to play with my paint finishes and colors a bit more than building.

Building is my ultimate favorite part of what I do but Ive been yearning to step out a little.

 

Im sharing so many close up shots of this finish so you can get the true idea of how

rustic and lovely it is.

 

Im here to tell you though it is hardwork and messy but I love it, and this

piece would be staying home if it was the right size for our little trailer.

 

 

 

 

sharing with:

 

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USING DARK WAX creme brule table

 

How many of you have seen an amazing furniture finish that you fell in love with

and you find out the artist used dark wax technics to achieve the look. If you are a buyer than you

can purchase the piece and enjoy it in your home, showing it off to friends and family.

 

 

But if you are just starting to paint for yourself,

incorporating dark wax into your paint projects can seem tricky and a bit daunting.

Im not here to tell you that it isnt, I too struggled with using it but now know its

only because I was just as frightened to use it as the next person.

 

 

What I am going to suggest is ... try it! Dig in, get your hands dirty, and see what happens.

Many of us also have the oppurtunity to take local classes to help get us over the hurdle of starting.

There are so many wonderful tricks and technics that can be achieved with it.

Like what I have done with this new table, I have named Creme Brule.

 

With the Creme Brule Table I used the dark wax in different areas.

You can see in the center of the top I used it to lightly age the finish,

where as I used it heavier to change the color around the accents. 

 

 

And before I leave you George has

this weeks ETSY updates:

 

 

and a LOCAL OFFER:
For the next couple of weeks until Christmas, George would like to offer you the opportunity to order his candles and have them delivered by him personally through the week as *Thank You Gifts*, *Holiday House Warmings* and *Christmas Gifts*
Large Candles $15 local delivery included
Small Candles $13 local delivery included
Email georgegrandy@shaw.ca to start the process, custom color orders welcomed at no extra charge.

 

 

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LEARNING HOW TO WAX white tall dresser

Our last workshop was another fun day with lots of projects, questions, answers,

and Georges catered lunch.

 

 

We had a wonderfully sunny hot day and by the late

afternoon it was time to grab a bottle of water, pull up a chair, and a paint brush

to put some theory to the test.

 

We painted this antique oak mirror with ASCP Duck Egg blue and used some dark wax

to age and accent around the carved applique.

 

 

We started the day with drawer repairs, filling holes, and learning the ins and outs of

the paint sprayer. Then I let my ladies loose on a couple of my newly painted white chairs to

learn how to distress and be comfortable with it.

 

 

We also went through the steps needed to wax the textured surface of the chair backs

and how to get this silky soft and shiny smooth finish

using minwax natural furniture wax on this chest of drawers below.

 

 

I always lay out many projects at different stages for each of my workshops

and we generally only get to work with each for a short period of time,

leaving me with many things to sort out later.

 

 

The chairs are finished and now so is the dresser.

 

 

I reupholstered all the chair seats with new foam and a neutral fabric.

These are some comfy seats now!

 

 

Light distressing brought out the marvelous details on the dresser during waxing.

 

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So the drawers are beautiful inside and out with all the decorative bits

and the eclectic mix of vintage french provincial handles.

 

 

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