Sometimes, what I imagine will be an easy job turns out to be anything but. This week’s favorite find turned out to be just that. To refresh your memory, here is the “before” of the tables.
After a long day’s work, here is the “after”.
I knew I wanted pink. However, I didn’t have any Annie Sloan Antoinette on hand. Instead, I made my own mix of Annie Sloan Old White and a teeny tiny bit of Burgundy. After I applied a few coats, I used both clear and dark waxes on the entire piece to create an aged look. I stepped back and looked and it still was not quite right.
I decided a wash of creamy white would soften it up. I added the wash of Old Ochre over the wax and then used an old rag to rub it off/into the paint. I also added a touch of gold. Voila! Perfect.
I used a stripper (Citristrip) and power sander to smooth and strip the top. I went to all of that trouble, stained the top and then really disliked the finished look (this has happened to me before. I am a glutton for punishment!). However, once I painted the top in the creamy white, I was relieved and happy. It sets off the pale pink much better than the darker wood.
Both tables are missing their pulls but I had some vintage ones on hand that did the trick. They are the right size and after I lightly brushed on the creamy white paint, look original to the piece.
I wanted to use pink on these tables and am so happy I did! I think it looks feminine and pretty. In my mind, pink needs dark wax or aging or else it runs the risk of looking too “little girl” vs old french. Don’t get me wrong, they will look sweet in a little girl’s room but it’s a more mature pink and not too babyish. It was hard to capture on my pictures, but the dark wax really made all the difference to this piece.
I had hoped to finish both tables today but with all the trial and error that didn’t happen.
I also had to get the Persian Blue chest ready for shipment this afternoon. I always clean out the drawers, add my stamp and put my tag on before pick-up. My shipper arrived and it is now heading to its new home in Galveston, TX.
I’ll work on the Pink French Table’s pair tomorrow. These are going to be for sale on my site and Etsy. I’m now off to my daughter’s 5th grade concert!
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I love how the pink turned out. I’m in the middle of painting a desk and I feel it’s not quite right either. I’ve been contemplating doing a wash over it and reading your post just confirmed it. Thanks!
Also, I was wondering if you would share who you use for shipping your pieces out of state?
Lisa
Hi Lisa, best of luck with your desk! I used UShip for a lot of my shipping needs and made a few relationships with shippers via the site and networking, etc. It’s a great way to start and safe. You should go on and take a look and create an account. The shipper is not paid until safe delivery and there is feedback for each one so easy to choose from. Good luck!
i love the pink you created! It’s really beautiful. Someone in Galveston, TX is super lucky. I’m totally jealous!
Thanks, Coco – it was hard to see that one go!
So beautiful. What do you do to the drawers? Do you do anything clever on the back? How much time is spent on the unseen portions? I’m a glutton. I’m doing a small china hutch for the bedroom right now and am spending crazy time on the inside of the drawersl Help! 🙂
Hi Rita, I only paint the interior of the drawers if they are stained or need primer/paint to get rid of any musty smell. If they are in decent shape, I either line with paper or leave as-is. I never paint the backs of my pieces unless they are finished (like a desk with a finished back). I do paint the small strip along the back sides (hard to describe) but do not paint the center portion of a standard dresser/chest. I feel it is a waste of expensive paint!
Hi Suzanne,
The cupboard looks lovely! I’m just preparing to start selling some pieces in the hope I can get a business going (Australia). I want to add something like a business label to the pieces I refinish, so reading you do likewise, prompts me to ask what sort of stamp you use? I hadn’t thought of using a stamp, but it makes more sense. Is it just a basic ink stamp? I’d be grateful for any advice.
Thanks so much, Liz.
Hi Elisabeth, shooting you an email with info 🙂
You have such great vision and imagination. I would never have thought of using blue on that chest, but it’s perfect. BEAUTIFUL! I’ve been working on a little bench for a week!! Because I’m stumped. The color isn’t working.. Now, you’ve inspired me…I’m just starting over today. Always excited when I see thepainteddrawer in my in box! ❤️
Thank you, Mimi! Just try different ideas until you hit on the right one. I’m sure it will look gorgeous when done!
It’s such a soft and subtle pink – very nice. I would have never thought to put dark wax over it but it really does “mature” the piece. Going to remember this tip – thanks! Great idea stamping your pieces. Added to my To Do List is having a rubber stamp with my logo made – thank you again for another great idea Suzanne.
You are so welcome, Marie!
Hi Suzanne, I love how this end table came out! I, too, often wind up not happy with the way a piece comes out, and have to redo to get it “right”! I didn’t think that you could paint right over waxed finish?? I thought you have to take wax off to add paint. Would love to hear your professional advice.. Thanks!
Kathy N. beat me to the punch! I was also wondering about painting over wax. I just read someone’s blog earlier this week that really stressed this couldn’t be done. Say it isn’t so!
Hi Barbara – yes, you can! I never have had a problem with it. Cheers!
Lovely–Pretty as any piece of furniture in a French Country decorating book–you have changed my mind on pink!
Thank you, Cynthia!