I’m sharing a quick before and after today! This is the mirror that goes over Christin’s Paris Grey Console Cabinet. It started out in black. The mirror is not old and had the standard, shiny finish of a new piece.
Two coats of the Annie Sloan Paris Grey chalk paint, distressing in 120 grit sandpaper, one coat of Annie Sloan clear wax (tutorial HERE) …voila! For some reason in the light, the pictures make the paint hue more bluish than in real life. I will try and take better pics once they are all back in Christin’s foyer 🙂
A quick transformation!
Hi Suzanne,
I’ve been receiving your emails daily & I thoroughly enjoy your before & afters, instructions, and tips. I refinished a few smaller pieces over the summer using AS chalk paint and AS clear wax(a mirror, a pair of nightstands). I’m excited to do and “lighten up” some of the many dark wood tones in our home. If you don’t mind, I do have a couple questions for you-
1) What is the difference between AS chalk paint & General Finishes and what determines which one you choose?
2) if you are painting a set of matching chairs, would you do each one individually from start to finish or do each step as a group?
3) how do you decide whether or not to paint right over drawer pulls or to remove them and spray them with a metallic paint?
Thank you so much for your time & expertise!
Hi Jacqueline, Ok, lets start with your first question! AS chalk paint and GF milk paint are totally different. AS gives a piece like an older, more European aged feel. It can be easily layered and distressed. GF milk paint is acrylic and best for more modern, sleek finishes. When I paint a matching set of chairs, I do each step on each one as a group. I do a lot of steps and if I just do one chair at a time, I may forget something along the way for the next! It is tedious but is the best way for me to do it. As far as the drawer pulls, it depends on the look I am going for. On a piece with an aged patina finish, I may keep the original pulls (if they are nice) and lightly brush them with the paint (check out the Florence Dresser to see) but if not, I reaplace. I never spray them with a metallic paint but I have cleaned brass pulls with Brasso cleaner. I hope this helps!