Emperors Silk Red Desk

I have a color to show off today, one I've never used before, Emperors Silk Red. I'm usually more of a barn red kind of girl but this color is striking with dark wax. It was a very bright and bold red without the dark wax.

My dad found this desk for me at a local thriftstore near his home for $25. The ironic thing is that in high school I wouldn't be caught dead at that place, I was way too self conscious for thrifstores. Funny how things change when you aren't a self conscious kid anymore. Now, I make my living off things I find at thriftstore. Ironic.

It had a lot of dents bangs and chips. This didn't scare me off in the least. The more imperfect it is the better for me. I'm into that kind of thing in case you haven't noticed. You see gigantic dents, I see a place for dark wax to settle and look awesome! I had plans for this desk to be my own so I knew I wanted a heavy dark waxed look. Sometimes dark wax can scare my clients a bit. I filled in a few chipped spots but painted over everything else.No sanding or priming, this is chalk paint after all.

When I paint knowing I want a lot of dark wax to show, I break some basic painting 101 rules you'll read in most painting furniture tutorials. What can I say I'm sort of a rebel.

I use a very cheap dollar store brush (broken rule #1), just make sure it has synthetic bristles, the hair like kind will come off in your paint. I purposely want paint stroke lines and imperfections for the wax to settle in.

I paint in all different directions. (#2)

I don't do any sanding to smooth out my painted surface and stroke lines. (#3)

I let my chalk paint be a little bit thicker, it's harder to work with but gives a good texture for the wax to stick to. (#4)

I still haven't decided if I want to keep the desk. It wont have any practical use in my home but will be just for "looks". Sometimes I break another rule, my furniture doesn't always have a function for me :) Looking pretty is important around here.

I have a quick surprise to show you, can you tell what this is?

It's new flooring for my living room and hall! Hooray!! I have had the same nasty carpet as when we bought our home as a foreclosure. It's high time for some new stuff! I love this laminate, I had it put in my kitchen a few years ago and just love it. So bright, cool and airy. I hope my hubby will find some time over spring break to install it for me.

Jenine

Linking back to...
www.kammyskorner.com

A Country Side Table

Here's a simple country style end table I finished painting yesterday. It was just your typical oak table that I found at a thrift store. I thought I could spruce it up with a hand painted top. I got the laurel wreath with PARIS typography from The Graphics Fairy, one of mine, and several other thousand people's favorite blog. Head on over if you've never seen it. Prepare to be amazed.


This beauty will be for sale in my Shop so be sure to check it out.


Jenine

Linking back to...
www.funkyjunkinteriors.net
romantichome.blogspot.com
graphicsfairy.blogspot.com
savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com

The Difference Dark Wax Can Make

If you haven't noticed already almost all of my pieces have been finished with dark wax. Why do I love it? What difference does it make in my pieces? Dark wax produces a look that I can only compare to a glaze. Many DIYers use glaze or stain over their latex paint to give it an "old" or "dirty" look. Annie Sloan dark wax reminds me of shoe polish, it is soft and sticky and it can be applied by rag or brush. I think a brush works best to work it into carvings and paint strokes. Annie Sloan sells her own brand of wax brush but it is a bit pricey, plus I've noticed in her books that she doesn't even use the expensive wax brush! She just uses a cheap 2" brush, so that's what I use too.

Before applying a dark wax you must apply clear wax, because if not you will just stain the paint. A little dark wax on your brush goes a long way. After you have applied dark wax where you want, go over it again with the clear wax. The clear wax will pull some of the dark wax off so it just remains in the cracks and crevices. Another method of dark waxing that gives a very subtle aged patina is to mix a bit of the dark wax with your clear wax, then apply the mixture to your piece. Don't be scared to give it a try, if you hate it you can just paint over it again with your chalk paint. Yep, chalk paint can do that.

One last thing to keep in mind is that dark wax isn't just for furniture. I have used it on picture frames and mirrors, but use your imagination! It could also add a few years to that craft you just finished or that paper creation of yours. Have fun!

Pin It

Linking back to: