If there is one kind of literature that I just completely soak in, it's information regarding refinishing techniques. There is so much out there in the world of refinishing furniture. So many ways to make an old piece come back to life. I learned a new way recently from the talented Christen at Blue Egg Brown Nest as she tried out a new technique from Annie Sloan, creator of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and Waxes and author of her new book, Color Recipes for Painted Furniture.
Weathered.
It's probably one of my favorite techniques as it creates a rich, weathered, time-worn finish. The steps are simple.
1. You need a piece that has good texture and grain - nothing smooth!
2. Using Old White chalk paint, brush the paint on in a small-ish section, wait about 30-ish seconds, and use a soft cloth, like an old t-shirt, to wipe it off.
3a. Touch up areas that you feel need more paint with a fairly dry brush - dipping in just the tip of the brush and wiping off any excess.
3b. Touch up any areas that you feel have too much paint and it's too late to wipe off with a fine sanding sponge. You can soften any thick areas of paint this way.
Christen demonstrates this technique on her blog using an oak pedestal table. Coincidentally a very, very, kind client recently asked me if I had any use for a lone oak pedestal table that was taking up space in her garage. She and her husband were anxious to just get it out. Lucky me, indeed!!!
Now, this table was almost perfect for trying this weathered technique. The only issue was that the top surface was sealed fairly smooth. The sealer was coming off in areas, but I didn't have as much texture up top as I would have liked. I ended up favoring a really chippy, time-worn finish on the top rather than a soft, whitewashed look, (which I was able to achieve on the pedestal base as there was plenty of texture down there). I did a lot of sanding to the top to remove paint. Now it looks as if it's seen years of love and family gatherings! As you can see in the pictures, the top has a gorgeous sunburst design, so I followed the direction of the wood with my painting, wiping, and sanding.
With the leaf. Seats 6-8.
Weathered Oak Pedestal Table
62 x 30 with the leaf, 38 x 30 without the leaf
SOLD
Alright, enough about my newfound refinishing technique. Here are some real highlights of our week.:)
I don't blame you one bit if you move on at this point. I get it.
Doctor date with my under-the-weather daughter. Doesn't she look ill? ;)
(we were both happy to be out of the house together without the boys!)
Silly mirrors in the waiting room
I don't just have one, but TWO superhero sons. Though, Superman won't do much good with that paci and his finger in his bellybutton...
Won't be long until they're joining the kids they watch board the bus every morning with their "pack-packs"
If this is a foreshadow of what's to come, I am totally okay with that!
First sunglasses and they couldn't be prouder of themselves. 93 cents at Walmart for a few priceless smiles and giggles.
Kids not available for sale. Not today ;)
Last thing; if you happen to have an open weekend coming up and are somewhat local to Northern Virginia, check out the Luckett's Spring Market! Saturday and Sunday, 10-5, shop hundreds of home decor vendors outdoors and in. Admission is $7, (worth every penny), and there will be something for everyone - not might be, but will be!
~Chelsea
This post was originally featured under Chelsea's Garage, now affectionately known as StyleMutt.