I’m picking up where we left off yesterday with my newly acquired French arm chairs. So, the upholstery was removed and the frames were painted Georgian Revivial Blue by Sherwin Williams. This color is a little shocking at the moment, but just wait.
Before moving on to the next step, I want to point out the texture I left on the frame. I did not sand this piece before painting it and that was intentional. This texture is going to work in my favor.
Once the darker blue was dry, I used a brush loaded with a very small amount of Light French Grey (Behr) and hit the high points of the frame. I made sure to brush with the grain of the wood and kept the brush “dry.” Now, remember when I said a couple of weeks ago that there is a point in every “faux” technique where it will look terrible. Yeah. This is that place. It looks like a streaky, bad paint job. Don’t quit here, though. It’s about to get better.
Once the light grey was dry, which didn’t take long, I sanded the edges with 80 grit sand paper. I like a really rough sand paper for this step, because it leaves great scratches in the paint. I also like to do this step by hand. It’s harder on the biceps, but I have more control and it looks more natural than an electric palm sander.
Working in small sections, I brushed on an antique glaze (I’ll share the formula on Friday), making sure I worked it into the crevices.
I followed immediately with a wet paper towel to wipe off the excess.
Remember that texture I left…
Oh yeah. See what I mean? Imperfections really work to your advantage with this kind of finish.
And a word to the wise…wear gloves during this process. You see, I am a fool and I spent about five minutes at the sink with a nail brush and soap.
Oh well. Look out for more details and the grand reveal in a couple of days.
Now that I am out of my funk, I had a very productive day. On top of running, feeding kids, changing diapers, building trains and painting these chairs, I finished two more photo shoots for HGTV.com.
I am loving my new lenses.
Only three more Christmas projects left and I am done. Woo hoo! I’m hoping to get the writing and photo editing done in the airport and on the plane next week.
For those who didn’t notice the little button on my side bar, I am attending Blissdom this year. I am really excited, but a little nervous. Well, I was only a little nervous until I read this post about what to wear to Blissdom and now I’m about to cry. Maybe vomit. I need a formal outfit? I need cute shoes? Do grey Chucks fit in that category? I’m ready to throw in the towel and wear my very worst painting pants.
I need a fashion consultant. Like…now. Can someone nominate me for an emergency episode of ”What Not To Wear”?
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Chairs are gorgeous – love the finish. Glad you're out of your funk. Been there myself lately.
I have a faux finish friend who swears wearing her work clothes (completely splattered w/paint) is better than passing out business cards. But I'm sure you have something lovely to wear that will make you feel comfortable @ Blissdom.
Have a wonderful time there. Can't wait to read all about it
Glad you're out of the funk and I love what you're doing with the chairs. Don't worry about what to wear just remember the KISS factor.lol
Hugs XX
Barbara
Gloves are for wimps. Hahaha… I always end up with messy hands and clothes too… it seems that paint has a powerful sway over me…I think about painting and then I just do it… pretty soon I've got a wrecked shirt and terrible looking fingernails.
Can't wait for the glaze formula…
This would be the perfect technique for some antique chairs from my childhood I've had stored for a long time…will check out the formula tomorrow…thanks for sharing!
This paint job is just stunning!! Can't wait to try it!
Ha, I have grey chucks. I think you'll fit in! At least with me! I wore them last year and they'll be joining me again this time.
Can't wait to meet you!!!
You are going! That is the most important thing. I would gladly wear my painting jeans if those could get me there.
And as an outside observer who is obviously not going (and maybe it's a cultural thing too) but I really don't understand the fuss and big deal everybody is making about what they are wearing. Are women really that judgmental?
I can't wait to see what your antique glaze formula is! I'm currently working on a project and I'm REALLY wanting to do an awesome glaze to finish it. Thanks for sharing!!
What a wonderful website you have…so inspirational! Love the blue glaze chair transformation. I just linked up my most recent side chair re-do. I would love for you to check out and follow my Interior Design & Decor website, SAS Interiors @ http://www.sasinteriors.net.
You sound SO busy, just like me…we are women and we can do it ALL, lol…
Have a great time at Blissdom…I hope to make it next year!
~Jenna, SAS Interiors
http://www.sasinteriors.net
SW Paints, my favorites! I didn't even know they had that color! I am so in love with these chairs. You work fast! Do you sleep? Seriously, you should be so proud of your creative genius, love them! Good luck on the sale!
Did you use a sealer over the whole thing after or do you just let it get more "rustic"? I am doing a mirror kind of like yours and I am trying to decide how to do it! Decisions, decisions! Thanks for the inspiration!
thanks for the color my dear, it's just what I'm looking for for the legs of my farmhouse table {and maybe even my laundry room cabinets! I'm off to Home depot!
great work
d e n i s e
Your website is fabulous!!!I feel better when I am learning AND relaxing. I am saving these posts for a husband to-do list this summer. He's excited.
diana
You can not find pieces like your wonderful creations. You need to create your own furniture line with your wonderful finishes so people everywhere can get pieces like these.
I found your blog, via Pinterest this morning and fell in love! Thank you for sharing your talents with your readers! I posted your image of the arm of this chair in my inspiration board and hope you don't mind. Thank you for your post, I look forward to returning for more inspiration! The link to my blog, and your image, is blow.
http://tinyurl.com/3fk3tvg
xo Christina Leigh
so much great info on here .