The vintage desk is finally finished and it has turned into a gem. Let’s first revisit the “before”. Yikes!
Here it is today, painted in a combo of Annie Sloan chalk paints.
Quite a difference!
For this piece, I layered Annie Sloan Aubusson, Annie Sloan Provence and Annie Sloan Duck Egg. It was sealed in Annie Sloan clear wax.
I first applied Annie Sloan Aubusson as a base coat and a coat of Provence was applied on top. The desk was waxed in Annie Sloan clear wax. I then dry brushed Aubusson back over the Provence, stippling it in hard over the wax. I like to dry brush over a waxed surface; I can add as much as I want and take it off without it just being absorbed into the paint. Using my soft sanding sponge, I rubbed it in circles and left some areas darker than others. I waxed it again.
It still wasn’t quite right in the front! I added a wash of Duck Egg over the front and sides, leaving the legs and top without the wash. The inside is Provence over Aubusson. The entire piece (inside and out) was waxed and using a soft sanding sponge, I went over the entire piece to create a super smooth finish. Gold gilding wax was applied to the detail. And that is exactly what I did. It sounds crazy but this is how I work! I keep trying until I’m happy with the result.
The drawer pulls are the original with added paint and gold gilding wax for some glam! The one pull on the front of the desk is glass, just to add some sparkle. The interior is super clean and its detail painted to complement the piece. I love its legs! Those legs plus the vintage detail is amazing.
The desk is hard to capture on camera. I think you will see that in some photos it seems a lot darker or lighter than others. The layers of paint change their hue slightly depending on the light, from lighter to darker. It is so beautiful.
Just listed on Etsy! Have a wonderful weekend!
(Item Sold)
OMG, THIS IS ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. HOW CAN I OWN ONE LIKE THIS? I LOVE TGE PAINT COLOR CHOICE .
Thank you so much Ivory!
What a beauty! As always, you do such a lovely work. I wish I lived near you so you could do your magic on some of my old furniture! Keep up the good work and have a lovely Holiday with your family.
Thank you, Susan! Happy holidays to you as well!
The ugly duckling becomes a beautiful blue swan. Really nice! Hardware is perfect.
I wish this was my desk!!
Thank you, Mary! It found a great new home!
Stunning! Still doing awesome work, as always.
Cynthia
Thank you, Cynthia!
So pretty! You always make things look classy.
Thank you Marjean! You are so kind!
Absolutely beautiful! Love the gold accents and the knobs are perfect
Thanks Vicki! It all worked out on the end lol!
So beautiful! I’m just starting to chalk paint, and I really want to become an expert like you! I love the steps you list. When you dry brush, do you use a regular paint brush? Also, you mentioned using a soft sanding block after you waxed for a super smooth finish, then added the gold gliding wax. I’ve just been using a soft cloth. Is it better to use the sanding block? I notice that my pieces will still leave finger prints in the wax if i pick up the piece. They will rub out, but I was wondering if I’m using too much wax or if it still needs to cure? I’ve done pieces that will receive a lot of wear, kitchen table and chairs, coffee table, and bathroom vanity. I want to make sure the pieces will stand up to the use they will endure and use a method that holds up best. Thanks!
Hi Julie! A little wax goes a long way. I actually apply my wax with either a soft cloth or my waxing brush. I let it dry overnight and then buff it out. You can either buff it with a soft cloth or with very high grit sandpaper (over 400). I actually like to use the soft end of my sanding sponge but that is just me 🙂 If you buff it out, it should become nice and hard and shiny. You shouldn’t get any fingermarks on it. I find that wax takes at least a week to totally cure. If it’s still too waxy, buff it out even more until it sets firm. I hope this helps! I have a few YouTube videos on the process that may help 🙂
Beautiful Suzanne! Happy Thanksgiving. x
Thank you, Denise! Happy Holidays to you as well!